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A CENTURY AND A HALF
OF
PITTSBURG AND
HER PEOPLE
GENEALOGICAL MEMOIRS OF THE LEADING FAMILIES
OF PITTSBURG AND VICINITY, COMPILED
UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPER-
VISION OF
JOHN W. JORDAN, LL.D.
OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
ILLUSTRATE D
VOLUME III
3^ B J » *0
■> * * ) • *
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
4 1908 .,;,
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Copyright, 1908,
BY
LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
THE OLIVER FAMILY. In scanning the pages of local history for
Greater Pittsburg one frequently finds the names of men of such prominence as
to be classed among those of state-wide, and even national fame. Such, indeed,
is the name of Oliver, so well known in commercial circles from ocean to ocean
— a name linked with Carnegie and other iron-masters who have, by their own
genius and persistence in the mineral and metal world achieved no common
success, but have become true captains of industry and leaders in their own
special lines of work. In political, professional, journalistic and other callings
the name stands for much that is superior and worth preserving — a record
that their success and worthy achievements may be emulated by those who come
after them.
( I ) The first representative in this country of the Oliver family, of which
this notice treats, was Henry W. Oliver, who married Margaret Brown. This
worthy couple was of genuine Scotch ancestry, but natives of Ireland, from
which country they emigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1842. Their home
before coming to America was Dungannon, county of Tyrone, Ireland. LTpon
coming to this country the emigrant ancestor engaged in the harness and
saddlery business, which trade he had followed before coming here. He
continued and prospered in this w'ork until 1866, when he was able to retire
with a competency. He was a member of the Christian church and reared his
family in that communion. The American ancestor and wife were the parents
of four sons and two daughters, as follows : i. David B., whose sketch appears
in this family history. 2. Mary, who married B. D. Holbrook, of Onawa,
Monona county, Iowa, and had issue — Park K., who married Virginia Rob-
inson, whose children are Weare and John S. Holbrook ; George O., who mar-
ried Georgietta Xorris, and had Xorris and Helen ; David O., who married
Abbie ; Evans, who married Joanah Oliver, whose issue is Bernard
and Joanah ; Edith O., wife of Rex Kennedy. 3. Henry W., deceased, whose
sketch appears within this family history. 4. James B., deceased, married
Amelia Shields, still living. (See sketch of James B.) 5. George T., of whom
later. 6. Margaret, wife of Doctor Cadwallader Evans, of Pittsburg, whose
family consists of ten children — Henry O., married Louise Straub, whose child
is Oliver; George O., married Annie Young, and they have Margaret B. ;
David O., deceased; Berne H., Cadwallader, Jr., Mary Frances. Margery.
Dorothy, Deane M., Norman .K., all born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Henry
W. Oliver, the emigrant, died in 1888 and his wife in 1900, and were buried
in the Allegheny cemetery.
(II) Henry W. Oliver, son of Henry W. and Margaret (Brown) Oliver,
iii— 1
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
•was born in Dungannon, county Tyrone, Ireland, February 25, 1840, and was
but two years of age when his parents came to this country. He was educated
at the pubhc schools and at Newell's Academy, with no special training more
than the ordinary youth of his time received, if indeed as much. At the age of
thirteen years he began his business career as messenegr boy for the National
Telegraph Company, in the city of Pittsburg, which was by no means the
Greater Pittsburg of the twentieth century. Two years later, having filled well
his position, he was called to the employ of Clark and Thaw, then general
forwarding agents, and remained with them seven years. In 1859 1''^ was made
the shipping clerk for the iron manufacturers, Graff, Bennett and Company,
with whom he remained until the first call by President Lincoln for volunteers
to suppress the rebellion, April, 1861, when he enlisted in the Twelfth Penn-
sylvania Regiment of Volunteers, and served his term of three months. Later
in the war, when the Confederate General Lee sought to invade Pennsylvania,
he again enlisted in an emergency regiment.
January i, 1863, he organized the firm of Lewis, Oliver and Philips, and
began the making of nuts and bolts on rather a small scale. In 1866 his two
brothers were admitted to the firm, which continued to operate until 1880, when
the firm was changed to Oliver Brothers and Philips. In the meantime the
business had grown to gigantic proportions and they were rated as leaders in
bar iron and specialties in the markets of the world. In 1888 the works were
incorporated under the title of the Oliver Iron and Steel Company, as now
known. Mr. Oliver was the chairman of the board of directors of the new
company. He had also become identified with other large industries and con-
nected with the building of railroads, the great need of which, in the business
in which he was engaged, he saw the need of securing for Pittsburg. First he
became interested in the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, the first line to
really compete with the Pennsylvania and Baltimore and Ohio railroads for
freight and tonnage at Pittsburg. He was one of the original proprietors of
the road and one of its largest stockholders after it was established. He was
also interested in the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad, and from 1889 to 1894
was its president. He then desired better freight facilities between Pittsburg
and Chicago and promoted the Akron and Chicago Junction road, connecting
the Pittsburgh and Western with the Baltimore and Ohio system. As a rail-
road man he introduced many improvements of great merit and value, including
the steel cars, in which he was largely interested. His mining interests in
Pennsylvania, his coal lands, his copper mines in the far away Arizona country,
together with his vast interests in the iron ore product of the Minnesota district
were among his most valuable holdings. He was one of the pioneers in the
Meseba ore district, and organized the Oliver Iron Mining Company, in which
later he interested the Carnegie Steel Company in the famous Lake Superior
country. Of later years his vast accumulation of wealth was invested in Pitts-
burg property, both in improved and unimproved realty. He purchased many
tracts of land within the present city limjts and erected fine business structures
on the same with the view of the future needs of the place, in which he always
had great faith.
It mav be said from the time he entered upon life's business career as a
modest messenger boy until his death in 1904, he was always active, energetic,
public-spirited and highly successful. His whole life was busy with planning
and then putting into execution his cherished plans, which were the original
V-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
offspring from his own active brain. It was this which eventually brought
the vast estate which he held at the time of his death, and at the same time he
seemed not unmindful of others. His neighbors, his home city and the com-
monwealth always found a place in all of his considerations. At the time of his
death he was chairman of the Oliver and Snyder Steel Company.
Upon the formation of the Republican party, in 1856, Mr. Oliver with
enthusiasm adopted its principles and ever continued to uphold and defend
the same. He was known as an able and successful advocate of the great and
progressive measures of his party. From 1S79 to 1882 he was president of
the common council of Pittsburg. He was a delegate to the Republican Na-
tional Conventions of 1872, 1876, 1888 and 1892. In 1880 he was the presi-
dential elector-at-large from his state. In 1882' he was selected by President
Chester A. Arthur to represent the iron and steel interests of the country on
the commission which was appointed to draw up and submit a new tariff to
congress, and it was largely through his work in this commission that the
metal schedule of the tariff of 1883 was so shaped as to mainly satisfy the
manufacturing and industrial interests of the country. January i, 1881, he was
nominated by the Republican legislative caucus for the office of United States
Senator, but on account of a division, which sometimes has characterized the
party in Pennsylvania, he failed of election.
Mr. Oliver was united in marriage in 1862 to Edith A. Cassidy, of Pitts-
burg, by whom one daughter was born, Edith, who married Henry R. Rea,
now one of his executors. Mr. Oliver passed from earthly scenes February 8,
1904. The following is an extract from one of the editorials on his death,
the same appearing in one of the Pittsburg dailv papers :
"To the general public, Mr. Oliver has been known recently as a man of
enormous wealth. By those whose happy privilege it has been to know him
well, however, he will be held in endearing memory not for his millions, nor yet
for his mammoth enterprises, but for his engaging personality, his winsome
disposition and his truly generous nature. His view was broad, his methods
fair and his judgment always good. He was neither churl nor niggard. Per-
haps he was too optimistic, but be it said to his credit that he was never pessi-
mistic, and there were days and years during his eventful life when this very
optimism proved a saving grace, more precious than any other quality of his
character. Endowed with such a nature, which he permitted neither reverses
nor riches to neutralize, his circle of acquaintances and associates was wide
and influential, and to those his death is a personal bereavement. Mr. Oliver's
place in history will be that of a great 'Captain of Industry.'
"In his untimely death Pittsburg loses an ideal citizen. He was a public
spirited man in the best sense of the word. A citizen who had at heart the
commercial integrity and advancement of his municipality. He amassed great
wealth, but it came to him as a reward for his financial genius that was clean
and wholesome, untainted by any law or selfish desire. He was an upright
man, conscientious and followed his light, illuminating pathway in straight
ways. Cut off in the vigor of his years, he went to an honored tomb with the
blessings of all who knew him and all who love the American citizen that gives
his talents and wealth of character to raise and ennoble the successful men
with whom honesty and integrity are the controlling motives."
After his death the select and common council of the city of Pittsburg
unanimously voted to perpetuate his memory by renaming Mrgin Alley (which
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
thoroughfare was greatly widened through his influence), and called it "Oliver
Avenue," which runs parallel and between Fifth and Sixth avenues.
(II) George Tener Oliver, son of Henry W. and Margaret (Brown)
Oliver, was born in Ireland January 26. 1848. His parents had, however,
been residents of Pittsburg since 1842, and were visiting their old home in
Ireland at the date of his birth. He was educated in Allegheny City and at
Bethany College, West Virginia, graduating in 1868. He became a lawyer
and was admitted to the Allegheny county bar in 187 1, practicing successfully
until 1881, when he retired from the legal practice to engage in the wire busi-
ness. He was first vice-president of the Oliver Wire Company, continuing
until 1899, when he became president. He was also president of the Oliver
and Snyder Steel Company until he disposed of his manufacturing interests in
1901. January i, 1901, he purchased the Pittsburgh Gazette, the oldest news-
paper west of the Allegheny Mountains. He has since been in active control
of this journal, as well as the Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph, which was the
first evening paper in Allegheny county. Politically Mr. Oliver is a staunch
supporter of the Republican party. In 1884 he was a presidential elector, and
was president of the Central Board of Education in Pittsburg from 188 1 to
1884. He is a member of the leading clubs of Pittsburg, as well as of the
Union League Club and University Club of New York city. In 1871 he mar-
ried Miss Mary Kountze, of Omaha, Nebraska, by whom six children were
born, as follows: i. Margaret K., married John P. Young; 2. Mary D., mar-
ried Doctor Alexander C. Blair; 3. George S., unmarried; 4. Augustus K.,
unmarried ; 5. Jean, unmarried ; 6. Bennett.
(II) David B. Oliver, son of Henry W. and Margaret (Brown) Oliver,
was born in Dungannon, county Tyrone, Ireland, October 31, 1834. The
father and mother emigrated to this country on account of their liberal political
views, which interfered with the prosecution of his business in Ireland. David
B. Oliver was educated in the public schools of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania.
He has always taken an active part in educational matters, having served more
than thirty-five years on the school board, consecutively, twelve years of which
time he was its president. In 1866, with his brother, James B. Oliver, he was
admitted to the firm of Lewis, Oliver and Philips, manufacturers of bolts and
nuts, at South Pittsburg. In 1880, when Mr. Lewis sold his interest, the firm
was reorganized and the firm of Oliver Brothers and Philips was formed, of
which he was made general manager. In 1888, when the business was incor-
porated as the Oliver Iron and Steel Company, David B. Oliver also became
general manager, continuing until 1891, when he retired from active business
hfe.
He married, in 1861, Rebecca B. Cunningham, of an old Washington
county, Pennsylvania, family, her great-grandfather, John Scott, having iDcen
the first member of congress elected from the district on its original formation
in 1798. David B. and Rebecca B. (Cunningham) Oliver are the parents of the
following children: i. Henry, of whom later; 2. John C., of whom later; 3.
Mildred; 4. Nora B., who married Charles S. Shoemaker; 5. Rebecca B., who
married John Henry Ross; 6. Robert M. ; 7. Jessie; 8. Virginia; 9. Charles,
and seven who are deceased.
(II) James B. Oliver, son of Henry W. and Margaret (Brown) Oliver,
was born in .Mlegheny City, Pennsylvania, in April, 1844, and received his
education in the public schools. In 1865 he was admitted to the firm with which
:"".e Cer.tury i-''J'J3Lisn.ing o-iingrdviyig Co.Lhicago.
/',
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PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
his brothers were connected as extensive iron workers and steel makers. He
has been one of the prominent developers of this branch of industry. This com-
pany was first established in 1863, as the Oliver and Philips Company, and in
1887 was known as the Oliver Iron and Steel Company, it having been incor-
porated as such at that time. For thirty-seven years Mr. Oliver devoted his
time and talents to the business, which has come to be one of large proportions.
Mr. Oliver was the vice-president of the Oliver Steel and Iron Company and
later president, and has spent the best years of his manhood in developing the
business with which the Oliver family are famous throughout the country. He
was recognized the country over as an expert in iron and steel business opera-
tions. Politically he was a supporter of the Republican party. He married
Amelia Shields.
(HI) Henry Oliver, son of David B. and Rebecca (Cunningham) Oliver,
was born October 19, 1862, at Wooster, Ohio. He was educated at the public
schools of Pittsburg and at Allegheny City. He also attended Yale University,
from which he graduated with the class of 1885. A few years later he became
a chemist at the Oliver Iron and Steel Company's works, where he remained
several years. He next became superintendent of the Hainsworth Steel Com-
pany and retained that position after the company was acquired by the Ameri-
can Steel and Wire Company. Subsequently he became general superintendent
of the Shoenburger works of the American Steel and Wire Company, which
position he resigned in October, 1902, to become vice-president of the Oliver
and Snyder Steel Company. Upon the death in 1905 of James B. Oliver (his
uncle), he was elected president of the Oliver and Snyder Steel Company. He
is also president of the Monongahela Natural Gas Company and vice-president
of the Oliver Iron and Steel Company, which positions he still holds.
He was married January 21, 1903, to Eliza Robinson, daughter of General
James F. and Mary (Wheeler) Robinson, of Lexington, Kentucky. Two
children bless this union, born in Leetsdale, a suburb of Pittsburg — Henry, Jr.,
and Alary Robinson.
(Ill) John C. Oliver, son of David B. Oliver (2), was born in Pitts-
burg, October 29, 1863, and received his early education in his native city and
later attended Yale University, graduating with the class of 1885, when he
became superintendent of the Fifteenth Street Mill of the Oliver Iron and
Steel Company, where he remained until 1894. He then became associated with
the Monongahela Tin Plate Company as its general manager and vice-presi-
dent, remaining with them until they sold out in December, 1898, and then
connected himself with the American Tin Plate Company, being their manager
in the Pittsburg mills district up to January, 1900, when he became vice-
president of the Oliver Iron and Steel Company. Upon the death of his uncle
(James B. Oliver) he became president, and holds the position at the present
time. He resides in Allegheny City, where he has represented his ward, the
Eleventh, in the city council for the past sixteen years. Politically he is a Re-
publican. He is a member of the Duquesne Club, Pittsburgh Club. Allegheny
County Club, the University Club of New York City, and the Graduate Club
of New Haven, Connecticut. He is unmarried.
THE ARONSON FAMILY. Many of the great business enterprises
and large fortunes which have come into the possession of Pittsburgers during
6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
its history, have been gained by young and middle-aged men who had the
ability to' grasp the opportunities about them, and with courage and much
faith in the citv's future put their full manhood into the special line they
seemed best adapted to. Fortune is a lazy goddess. She never comes to us,
but may be found and won by energy and' concentration of our powers. The
Aronso'ns, of Greater Pittsburg, are among the most notable men of this class ;
they did not wait for time to develop the city about them, attaining a fortune
possibly by the rise of real estate in their old age, but they early set their
energies to work to help advance the city's growth, and their efforts have been
crowned with the success that all may attain in this country, where every man
is a sovereign.
The Aronson brothers — four in all — are lawyers, real estate dealers, oil
and gas operators and general bankers. Their success has been almost phe-
nomenal in the last decade, which more than covers the period which they
have operated in the city in these special lines of business. Each one of the
brothers is especially adapted to the department over which he has charge in
the combined operations, which have come to be of immense proportions and
constantly on the .increase with the passing years. Their ability and honesty
of dealing puts them each and all in touch with the best business element of
western Pennsylvania, to which their operations are chiefly confined.
In 1900 I.' Leonard Aronson, then but twenty-one years old, was admitted
to the Allegheny county bar and opened an office at No. 518 Fourth avenue,
Pittsburg, where with his brother, Harry M. Aronson, who was not admitted
until a few years later, he is still practicing law under the firm name of Aron-
son & Aronson, which has come to be one of the strong law firms in Allegheny
county. In 1902-3, seeing the future demands for outside real estate property,
the Aronsons formed the "Aronson Realty Company," having in _ view,
primarily, the attending to any real estate transactions and the placing of
mortgages in the densely populated region surrounding the Hill and Hump.
This "proved a successful business venture, as there was a great demand among
the foreign population for such facilities. At first the business was transacted
in a small office at 704 Fifth avenue, but soon grew to such magnitude that
larger quarters had to be secured, when they acquired a perpetual lease on the
building located at the corner of Fifth avenue and Tunnel street, which they
remodeled at much expense, and which has since been known as the Aronson
building. Within a short time their business prospered with such rapidity that
other branches or departments had to be organized. The original Aronson
Realty Company was organized under the incorporate laws of Pennsylvania
in June, 1903, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, the purpose
being to conduct a general real estate, insurance and collecting agency. This
was "followed in September of the same year by the Aronson Brothers Corn-
pan)', bankers. It is now capitalized at three hundred thousand dollars. This
company does a general banking, brokerage and foreign exchange business.
In the same month — September, 1903 — the "Real Estate Auction Com-
pany," with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, also incorporated under
the Pennsylvania laws, was formed for the purpose of conducting a real estate
auction business, which has also been successful. Still later the four brothers
organized what is known as the "Lawyers' Oil Company," which does a general
business in oil and gas, and is capitalized at seventy-five thousand dollars.
In the month of February, 1905, the Aronson hrotliers secured a charter
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
for the Real Estate Savings and Loan Association, capitalized at an even
million dollars. This company issue loans on real estate on weekly, monthly
and yearly payments. Other companies owned by these brothers are the Aron-
sonia Improvement Company and the Standard Construction Company, making
their combined capital over a million and a half dollars.
The offices of all these companies, known as the Aronson Enterprises,
are in their building at No. 646 Fifth avenue. They are all equipped with the
most modern fixtures, appliances and furniture suitable for carrying on their
enormous transactions. More than eighty trained clerks, accountants and
salesmen are employed by the concern. No outsiders are connected with the
business, the whole being .handled by the four brothers, I. Leonard Aronson
being president of all the branches, Harry M. being secretary and treasurer,
while the brothers, Jacob H. and Joseph A. Aronson, have charge of various
departments. Joseph A. has charge of the soliciting department and looks
well to the inside sales, while Jacob H., the youngest of the four brothers,
although but twenty-four years of age, is looked upon as one of the best judges
of realty in Greater Pittsburg. He has charge of a score or more of sales-
men, several of whom are three times his age. The rent department of this
business house has on its list over twenty-five hundred tenants. Their banking
department has been highly successful. Miniature banks are provided for their
patrons who desire them for small savings. The Foreign Exchange depart-
ment, in which are found men who can talk almost any language, looks after
the forwarding of money to all foreign parts of the world. A steamship
ticket agency is also conducted very successfully.
The president of this combined business enterprise, L Leonard Aronson,
is largely interested in down-town realty as well as some of the best financial
institutions in the city. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and
sees a "greater" for the future of his city. Combining his own time and talent
with that of his brother, Harry M. Aronson, and with the two younger brothers
the success of their business has been assured from the start.
Concerning the ancestry and personal history of the four Aronson
brothers who make up the business company just mentioned, it may be said that
the father is Samuel Aronson, from Breslin, Germany, who came to the
L'nited States in 1865, settling at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was
engaged in the dry-goods business, being connected with several wholesale
establishments until 1894, when he retired from active business pursuits. He
is of the Reformed Jewish church and reared his family in this religious faith.
He married Miss Leah Goldman, a native of Pittsburg, born in 1856. The
date of her marriage was 1873. The children of this union were: i. Annie,
now wife of Bennett Levy, born in Pittsburg in 1876. 2. L Leonard, born in
Pittsburg in 1878, now an attorney and banker. 3. Joseph A., born in 1879,
now one of the real estate firm of the Aronson brothers. 4. Harry AL, born
in 1881, in Pittsburg, now the secretary and treasurer of the real estate com-
pany composed of himself and his brothers ; also a practicing attorney, of the
firm of Aronson & Aronson. 5. Jacob H., born in 1883, in Pittsburg, one of
the real estate firm. 6. Ida ]\I., born in Pittsburg in 1886. 7. Emma S., born
in Pittsburg in 1888. 8. Harvey M., born in Pittsburg in 1890.
Aaron Goldman, Mrs. Samuel Aronson's father, was a native of Germany,
and came to America in 1835, first locating in Louisiana, but later came to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he died December 21, 1906. He was one of the
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
early Hebrew settlers of Pittsburg. He was born in Slavant, Germany,
December i6, 1821, and coming to "New Orleans in 1835 was there engaged
with an uncle in the cotton brokerage business until 1849, when he came to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was here engaged in the dry-goods trade until
after the close of the Civil war. He then engaged in the wholesale liquor
business, continuing until about 1896, when he retired from active life as a
business man. Several years before his death he fell from a street car and
injured one of his limbs, so that he was deprived of the use of it the remainder
of his life.
Harry M. Aronson, son of Samuel and Leah (Goldman) Aronson, was
educated at the public schools of Pittsburg, on Grant street. After graduating
from the Pittsburgh High School he took a law course at the Western Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1902, and was admitted
to the Allegheny county bar in June, 1902, and soon thereafter was admitted
to the Pennsylvania supreme court, United States circuit court, United States
district court and the United States supreme court. He became a partner and
member of the firm of Aronson & Aronson, composed of himself and I. Leon-
ard Aronson, his brother. In 1903 he became secretary and treasurer of the
Aronson Realty Company at No. 646 Fifth avenue. In 1904 he was made
the treasurer of the Aronson Brothers' Banking Company and also treasurer
of the Aronson Real Estate Auction Company. In 1906 he became treasurer
of the Lawyers' Oil Company, and aided in forming and became treasurer of
the Real Estate, Savings and Loan Association, all Pennsylvania corporations.
Mr. Aronson has never been active in politics, preferring to pay strict
attention to the many business enterprises with which he is associated, and in
which he has been eminently successful. He is a member of the Eighth Street
Temple, now being erected at the corner of Fifth and Morewood avenues. He
is also connected with the Jewish Home for the Aged, and the Jewish Hospital.
He is a director of Harmony Club, and a member of Americus Club and the
Duquesne Club.
EDWARD JAMES SMAIL, a prominent member of the Pittsburg bar,
is the son of Samuel and Catherine (Mainhart) Small. He was born at
Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1859. When
about three years of age he accompanied his parents on their move to Johns-
town, Cambria county, where he passed through the public schools. Having
returned to his native county, he entered the Greensburg Academy, and later
taught in the public schools of Westmoreland county. Subsequently he attended
the Southwestern State Normal College, from which he graduated in June,
1880, and in August of the same year began the study of law in the office of
ex-Governor William A. Stone, where he was an earnest student, and in Jan-
uary, 1883, was admitted to the bar. He became a practitioner in all of trie
courts, and at an early age became a prominent member of the bar. Within
a few years his reputation had extended until he became one of the accepted
leading attorneys of Pittsburg. He has been connected as counsellor with
many of the most important cases before the Pennsylvania courts, and is now
enjoying the fruits of a lucrative legal practice. Being thorough in every detail
of his profession, well read and abundantly trained, careful at every point, both
in the preparation of papers and the examination of his witnesses, coupled with
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
a forceful, pleasing address, the natural result has been the career of a highly
successful lawyer. He has long since been an officer, stockholder and attorney
for several extensive corporations.
Politically Mr. Small is an enthusiastic supporter of the Republican party,
in which he has been a leader in numerous campaigns, where his potent work
was instrumental in bringing victory to his party. Among the societies to
which he belongs may be named the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the
Americus Republican Club, the Young Men's Tariff Club and the Masonic
Country Club. He is also a member of the various Masonic fraternity socie-
ties, being a past master of Braddock's Field Lodge, No. 510; Shiloh Chapter,
No. 257; Tancred Commandery, No. 48, Knights Templar; Thirty-second
Degree Consistory Mason; life member of Syria Temple (Shriners), also a
past exalted ruler and life member of Pittsburg Lx>dge, No. 11, Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, which he has represented in the Grand Lodge. He
also belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Junior Mechanics orders.
Since 1884 Mr. Small has resided at Braddock, Pennsylvania, and has
been largely interested in its financial, social, religious and educational institu-
tions. He was j stockholder in the Laiion National Bank, now absorbed by
the First National Bank, and has served as member and president of the board
of education many years, as well as being one of the trustees of the Carnegie
Free Library. He is a consistent member and secretary of the church board
of the First Christian church.
Mr. Small was married in 1883 to Miss Ella Dyer, daughter of E. F. D.
and Eliza A. (Ashworth) Eshelman, of the Second ward of Allegheny City.
The children born of this union are: i. Hazel Inez. 2. Edward James, Jr.,
and 3. Nellus Urilda.
THE CRAIG FAMILY. The Craigs, of Pittsburg, to which belonged
the Revolutionarv soldier and pioneer citizen. Major Isaac Craig, and his
influer\,tial son, Neville Craig, who wrote the history of his father's life in i854,v
came in 1765 or 1766 to America from the neighborhood of Hillsborough,
county Down, Ireland, and landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had
been apprenticed in his native land to the house-carpenter's trade, at which
he worked in Philadelphia until he formed an intimate acquaintance with the
active and enterprising men of the place and acquired a correct knowledge
of the mode of doing business there, after which he assumed the responsibilities
of a master carpenter. In this situation he continued to labor until the break-
ing out of the war for independence. In November, 1775, he received an
appointment as the oldest lieutenant of marines in the navy, then being fitted
out by this continent — and in that capacity he served ten months on board the
"Andrew Doria," commanded by the gallant but unfortunate Nicholas Biddle,
who was soon after blown up by the Randolph frigate in an action with a
British man-of-war ship. While on board that ship it formed one of the
squadron commanded by Commodore Hopkins, who made a descent upon the
island of New Providence, in the West Indies, took possession of the two
forts, Nassau and Montogu, captured the governor, and seized a large quan-
tity of military stores, then much needed by the American army. Engaged
in that expedition were several officers of note, including the gallant Scotchman,
Paul Jones, and Commodore Abraham Whipple.
10 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Soon after he returned from this expedition Mr. Craig was proinoted
from lieutenant to captain of the marines, and in November of the same year
was ordered to do infantry duty, which he did several months. He was
present at the famous Delaware crossing by Washington, the capture of the
Hessian band at Trenton, New Jersey, and was at the battle of Princeton.
In February, 1777, the commandant of the marines was ordered to take charge
of some pieces of artillery and to instruct the men in that service. From that
date until the close of the war Isaac Craig served as an artillery officer.
March 3, 1777, Captain Craig was appointed captain of artillery in the regi-
ment then formed under Colonel Thomas Proctor, in which regiment he
continued to serve until it was disbanded at the close of the war.
September 11, 1777, he was engaged at the battle of Brandywine. His
company suffered great loss, and he was wounded, though not seriously. The
ensuing month he was at the battle of Germantown, Pennsylvania. The fol-
lowing winter, that of 1777-78, was spent by the army in log huts at Valley
Forge ; the suffering of which every reader of history well knows. Early in
the spring of 1778 Captain Craig and several officers were ordered to Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, "to learn the art of laboratory," which was the preparation of
ammunition and general supplies, scientifically tested, for the use in the artil-
lery service especially. Here he labored hard and became skilled, and well it
served him in later years, after the Revolutionary war, in preparing ammuni-
tion for Generals Wayne, .St. Clair and Harrison.
Captain Craig remained at Carlisle from February i to August, 1778, and
thus was not present with the army during the retreat of the British troops
across New Jersey from Philadelphia in June, nor at the battle of Monmouth.
Letters still in possession of the family show that Captain Craig, in April,
1779, was in command of the fort at Billingsport, on the Delaware, below
Philadelphia. In July of the same year he was in General Sullivan's army,
marching against the Six Nation tribes of Indians and their white allies, the
British Tories, under the notorious Brandt and the Butlers, in the Genesee
valley of New York state. After the return of Sullivan into the settlements.
Captain Craig rejoined his regiment, and in January, 1780, was with the army
at Morristown, New Jersey. During the intensely cold winter of 1779 and
1780, the night of January 14, the time set for Washington to attack the Brit-
ish on Staten Island, Captain Craig was detailed to command the artillery,
consisting of four six-pounders and two five and one-half inch howitzers, but
finding the communication had not been cut oft' for recruits to the enemy, as
was supposed, the American army retreated with but small loss, however.
April 20, 1780, an order was issued from General Washington (through
Timothy Mattack) for Captain Craig: "Ordered that Lieutenants, Sub-lieu-
tenants, Justices of the Peace and others of the counties through which Cap-
tain Craig shall pass, to give him such aid and assistance in transporting such
stores and artillery supplies as the occasion may require." In compliance to
orders from Colonel Brodhead. Captain Craig took the "Virginia Road" (the
Braddock Route), and reached his destination on the evening of May 29, and
from that time until the day of his death, in May, 1826, he resided in or near
Pittsburg.
In the winter of 1780-81 it was decided by Governor Jeft'erson, of Virginia,
who wrote Washington for a supply of artillery, to engage in the Kentucky
expedition against Detroit, and they ordered that Captain Isaac Craig be the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ii
commander-in-chief of such artillery. The supplies being very low at Fort
Pitt he was compelled to go to headquarters for additional supplies. The
Craig descendants still have much correspondence between Washington, Gen-
eral St. Clair and Captain Craig concerning this expedition. Arrangements
having finally been made, he embarked for the Falls of the Ohio the middle of
May, acting under General Clarke, who had depended on the Ker»tucky troops
to join him, which they failed to do, thus leaving the proposed expedition a
failure. Craig remained at the Falls until November, and finally General
Clarke allowed him to return to Fort Pitt. A letter, dated Fort Pitt, Decem-
ber 29, 1 78 1, to General Washington from General Irwin, then in command
at Fort Pitt, says: "Captain Craig with the detachment of artillery arrived
the 26th. He got up the river with much difficulty, being forty days on the
way, occasioned by low water. He was obliged to throw overboard his gun-
carriages, but brought his pieces and stores safely."
The same letter mentions the melancholic intelligence of "A Colonel
Lochry, of Westmoreland county, and about one hundred men, volunteers for
the defense of that country, who started to join General Clarke and were all
killed or taken by the Indians." Captain Craig confidently believed that he
was watched on his way up the Ohio by Indians, and that nothing but his
vigilance prevented his party from an attack.
When Fort Pitt was threatened by the Canadians and Indians it was
found that the old log magazine, built when the fort was, was badly decayed
and very insecure, so it was planned to build a substantial stone building,
which work was placed under the superintendency of "the late Captain, then
Major, Craig" (who had been promoted during his absence down the river
to take rank October 7, 1782), which as documents show go to prove fright-
ened an intended invasion away, as three hundred British and five hundred
Indians had started to attack Fort Pitt, but finding that the place was being
rebuilt, and supposedly greatly strengthened, they abandoned the scheme.
In November, 1782, Major Craig had orders to take Lieutenant Rose and
six active men and proceed to Cuyahoga and Grand River, for the purpose of
learning whether or not the British were attempting to build a military post at
Sandusky. They left November 13, taking one horse with them and plenty of
food, as they believed ; they crossed the Little and Big Beaver and eluded the
Indians. One man was left with the horse and supplies at some point en
route, and the party was to unite with him again, but they were gone so long
they never met again. The weather was cold and roads almost impassable.
They did, however, learn that no work had been commenced by the British at
Sandusky, and hence retraced their steps homeward. On the way back to
Pittsburg the stream had frozen over, but not sufficient to bear a man's weight,
so they proceeded, one man ahead broke the ice with a stick, and the party
stripped off their clothes and waded the ice-cold water, carrying a torch in one
hand and their clothing in the other. Upon reaching the homeward shore,
they, with lighted torches, built a camp-fire and dried and warmed themselves
before marching home. While they were out as spies in an enemy's country
the treaty of peace was being signed between the United States and Great
Britain.
With the close of the Revolution and the consequent disbanding of the
army and its officers Major Craig, with the remainder, necessarily had to seek
some employment, so he and Stephen Bayard, a lieutenant-colonel in the army.
12 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
formed a partnership to engage in tlie mercantile business at Pittsburg, with
the design to also deal in lands and town lots. They bought of the Penns the
first land sold within the limits of what is now Pittsburg. The date was
January 22, 1784; the land was described as: "A certain tract of land lying
and being a point formed by the junction of the Monongahela and Allegheny
rivers, boun4ed on two sides by the said rivers, and on the other two sides by
the fort and the ditch running to the Allegheny, supposed to contain about
three acres." Four months later the Penns concluded to lay out a town here
and these two original purchasers waived their rights and took instead, on
December 31, 1784, thirty-two lots of ground on the new plat, which really
covered all the ground contained in the three-acre tract except that used for
streets, and in addition all within the outworks of Fort Pitt. The evils of
intemperance were not then so minutely regarded as they are now, so the firm
above mentioned extended its business to the establishment of a distillery.
They had designed to erect a wind-mill to propel their milling machinery,
having seen its utility while in service in the West Indies, but it was not carried
out, and soon steam power came into use.
His recollections were that in 1796 Pittsburg had about one hundred and
two houses. He wrote in his journal July 25, 1784: "I have provided a house
for the reception of the goods when they arrive. I have a distillery." They
engaged in mercantile business in 1784, and had a saw mill up the Allegheny.
He wrote to a Philadelphia firm in 1784: "I am greatly in need of three
barrels of whiskey and one of rum, for want of which my neighbors get all
the skins and furs."
Major Craig had a taste for mathematics, was an expert carpenter, was
fond of mechanical art and philosophical experiments, and no doubt for this
reason he was made a member of the American Philosophical Society in
March, 1787, being elected a complimentary member, without his asking.
In September, 1789, an act was passed by the legislature incorporating
the First Presbyterian church of the town of Pittsburg; there were eleven
trustees named, six of whom were Revolutionary soldiers and all officers,
including Major Isaac Craig. He aided in building the original log meeting-
house, as well as the later brick edifice. In October, 1789, Stephen Bayard
withdrew from his firm relations with Major Craig, who in turn sold his
interest to other Philadelphia men and then removed to his farm, adjoining
that of his father-in-law and brother-in-law, Presley Neville. He continued
there but a short time, however, as with the organization of the new national
government his old commander and warm friend. General Henry Knox, was
appointed the first secretary of war, and in February, 1791, he offered him the
situation of deputy quartermaster and military storekeeper at Pittsburg, then
but a mere frontier hamlet. He accepted it, and as that was before "political
jobs" gave the clerks fat offices, he had much hard work, but filled the
position well. This was prior to the introduction of steamboats, and the quar-
termaster had to provide ffat-boats to convey troops and supplies down the
Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and other crafts, keel boats, etc., to convey similar
articles up the Allegheny and French creek to Fort Franklin and Lc Boeuf.
In December, 1 791, he was called upon by the secretary of war to superintend
the construction of a fort, which at his request was called Fort Fayette, after
that chivalric Frenchman under whom his brother-in-law, Presley Neville, had
served as an aide-de-camp. He also superintended similar works at Wheeling
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 13
and Le Boeuf, as well as Presq' Isle. In 1794, when a line of mail boats was
established between Pittsburg and Fort Washington, on the Ohio river, he
was the director of building such mail boats.
In jMarch, 1791, there was an Indian scare at Pittsburg, and at a mass
meeting it was resolved to ask the loan of one hundred guns from the United
States, which were in charge of Major Craig, he being the quartermaster.
He was told that they would take them by violence unless he gave them up
peaceably, and that if the government wanted them within sixty days they
would return them. Major Craig disliked to do this, but knowing his power-
less condition he let them go. They were not needed, as the sequel was, and
later the secretary of war informed him he did right ; also that the guns had
been given to Pennsylvania as their portion of arms some months previous.
At the time of the "Whiskey Insurrection" in 1794, the house of General
John Neville, the inspector of revenues, and the father-in-law of Major Craig,
was twice attacked by armed men. The last attempt was successful, his dwell-
ing house, barns and out-building were burnt to the ground ; the mail robbed ;
the inspector, his son and other adherents of the national government driven
from the country. At the same time General Anthony Wayne was preparing
for his decisive campaign against the western Indians. Reinforcements, sup-
plies and munitions of war had all to be sent from Pittsburg to Fort Wash-
ington, and this all under the direction of Major Craig, and he at the same
time was being urged by Alexander Hamilton to not abandon his post, and
added : "Even in the worst event, you will find safety in the fort." Several
nights he was compelled to seek refuge in the fort, but days his duty called
him up and down the river on horseback, on which trips he always went well
armed. For that and other faithful duties he was tendered the office of com-
missary general to General Wayne's army in November, 1794, but declined
on account of the condition of his family, but he named Major Kirkpatrick,
who was at once appointed and remained with the army until Wayne's death
at Erie, December 15, 1796.
In 1797, General O'Hara and Major Craig commenced the manufacture
of glass at Pittsburg, which (possibly), aside from the works in Fayette
county, was the first glass works established west of the Alleghenies.
In the trouble with France and Spain, in 1798, he had to superintend
the building of an ocean boat at Pittsburg suitable for such service. He also
built two galleys, "President Adams" and "Senator Ross," in 1798.
Like three-fourths of the officers of the Revolutionary army, jNIajor
Craig belonged to the party to which Washington and Hamilton belonged,
politicallv, and when Mr. Jefferson came into power Major Craig was removed.
In the war of 1812-14 his services as an expert were in demand as an
artilleryman. This was his last public work. During the last years of his life
he became financially embarrassed on account of liabilities he had assumed for
friends, and his real estate was all sold, and in the autumn of 181 5 he removed
to a good farm, owned by his wife, on Montour Island in the Ohio river, nine
miles below Pittsburg, where he passed his last days in comfort. Born of
Protestant parentage ; moral character never impeached ; he read his Bible
daily, even through the trying days of war, and he passed peacefully from
earth's shining circle June 14, 1826, and was buried in the First Presbyterian
burying ground at Pittsburg. His son paid this tribute to his father: "A
sincere Christian, an honest man, a faithful and diligent officer, a good citizen.
.14 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
kind neighbor, affectionate husband and a most indulgent father."
Major Craig married, February i, 1785, jMiss Amelia Neville, only
daughter of General John Neville, a native of Virginia, he who had been a
colonel of one of the Virginia regiments, and who then resided at Woodville,
eight miles from Pittsburg. He had there entered a large tract of land while
it was supposed to belong to Virginia. The children by this union, aside from
three who died in infancy, were as follows: i. Harriet, born December 25,
1785, in Fort Pitt, died May 29, 1867; married John H. Chaplin and had issue
— Lieutenant William Craig and Amelia.. 2. Neville B., born March 29, 1787;
married Jane Ann Fulton. 3. Matilda, born March 12, 1788; married Reese
E. Fleeson and had issue — Reese C, Isaac Craig, William, Thomas Plunket
and Eugene. 4. Presley Hamilton, born May 28, 1789; died August 8, 1848;
surgeon in the United States army and medical director, under General Taylor,
in the war with Mexico. 5. Henry Kno.x, bom March 7, 1791 ; died Decem-
ber 7, 1869, of whom further mention will be made. 6. John Neville, born
February 7, 1793; died July 21, 1870, unmarried. 7. William, born November
26, 1794; died young. 8. Isaac Eugene, born March 3, 1797; lieutenant in the
United States army (engineers' corps) ; fell in a duel with Lieutenant ]\Iaul
over a remark made by Maul concerning a Carlisle lady — both fell with the
first pistol shot. 9. Oldham G., born March 14, 1800; died suddenly of heart
trouble at Cologne, Germany, October 4, 1874. He was a bank teller of Pitts-
burg and left issue — Isaac. Eugene, Samuel, Robert, Caroline and Morgan.
10. Amelia Neville, boin July 9, 1801, and died October 22, 1877, unmarried.
General John Neville, grandfather of the children just named, was, born
in Virginia, July 26, 1731, and died July 29, 1803, in what is now Neville town-
ship, Allegheny county, and w^s buried in Trinity churchyard, Pittsburg. He
married Winfred Oldham, daughter of Colonel Oldham, a native of Virginia.
They had two children — General Presley Neville and Amelia, who married
Major Isaac Craig.
General Presley Neville, son of General John Neville, was born in Win-
chester, Virginia, September 6, 1755, and died December i, 1818. He married
Nancy Morgan, the accomplished daughter of the celebrated General Morgan,
leader of the rifle corps of the Revolution, and of whom Breckenridge said :
"Blessed him with an offspring as numerous and beautiful as the children of
Niobe." Mr. Neville was an aide-de-camp on General Lafayette's staff and
an accomplished man. His declination to accept the nomination for congress
in August, 1798. was a great disappointment to his district, which then com-
prised Greene, Washington and .Allegheny counties,. On two occasions he
entertained the celebrated Frenchmen — once the duke of Orleans, and the
uncrowned King, the Marquis Lafayette. He then resided at the corner of
Water and Ferry streets, Pittsburg, where he received and entertained these
noted Frenchmen, then subjects of the fallen monarchy. At the ceremonies
over the death of Washington a famous oration was delivered in Pittsburg
by General Neville on January 11, 1800.
(II) Harriet Craig, eldest child of Major Isaac Craig, born in old Fort
Pitt, December 25, 1785. married John H. Chaplin and had issue — Lieutenant
William Craig Chaplin and Amelia Chaplin.
(III) Lieutenant William Craig Chaplin was born in Pittsburg, April
11, 1810, and died April 25, 1856, in the officers' quarters at the Charleston
Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts. He married, February 8, 1S33, Sarah J.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE
Crossan, born in Pittsburg January 14, 1S13, daughter of James and Xancy
(Morrow) Crossan. The issue by this union was: i. James Crossan Chap-
hn, of whom later. 2. Ameha Neville Chaplin, who died aged seventeen years.
3. Annie C, now living in Allegheny ; married George A. Q. Miller. 4. Wil-
liam Huntington Chaplin, who died unmarried. 5. Presley Neville Chaplin,
who married Josephine Wharton, both deceased. Their issue was Oliver. Etta
and Amelia Neville. 6. John M. Chaplin, of whom later. 7. Melchoir Beltz-
hoover Chaplin, of whom later. 8. W. Wilson Chaplin, of whom later.
Concerning Lieutenant William Craig Chaplin, it should be added in this
'connection that he was a lieutenant in the United States navy from 1826 to
185 1, and had a brilliant naval career. He was the son of John Huntington
Chaplin, an attorney-at-law of Pennsylvania, who died at Pensacola, Florida,
and his father was Benjamin and his mother Amanda Sarah (Huntington)
Chaplin. Amanda Sarah was the daughter of Colonel Jabez Huntington, born
in Windham, Connecticut, 1738, a graduate of Yale College in 1758. He was a
member of the Connecticut council, 1764-1781 ; high sheriff, 1782, and died
November 24, 1782. He married August 6, 1760, Judith Elderkin, born in
Norwich, Connecticut, who was the attorney of Connecticut ; member of
"Committee of Safety" under General Trumbull during the Revolutionary war,
and was prominent both in civil and military affairs. He died at Windham,
Connecticut, and had descended from John Elderkin, of England, who came to
Massachusetts in 1637 and to Norwich in 1664. He married, in 1660, Elizabeth,
widow of William Gaylord, of Windsor. He died at Norwich, June 23, 1687,
aged seventy-one years.
Colonel Jabez Huntington (H), a son of General Jabez Huntington, born
in Norwich, Connecticut. January 26, 1691, died at Norwich September 25,
1752. He was prominent in civil and military affairs. He married. May 21,
1725, Miss Sarah Wetmore, who died March 21, 1783. He was the son of
Christopher Huntington, born November i, 1660; died April 24, 1735, at
Norwich, Connecticut. He was deacon in the church of that town from 1695
to 1709, and was a large land-owner. May 26, 1681, he married Sarah Adgate.
born in January, 1663: died in February, 1706, at Norwich, Connecticut. She
was the daughter of Thomas and Airs. Mary Bushnell (widow of Richard),
nee Alarvin, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Alarvin, born in England and
came to America in 1635.
Christopher Huntington was the son of Christopher Huntington, born in
England, came to Roxbury, Massachusetts, 1633, and to Norwich, Connecticut.
1660, where he died June 28. 1706. He married Ruth Rockwell, of Windham,
Connecticut, born in England August i, 1633. She was the daughter of Wil-
liam and Susan (Chapin) Rockwell. Her father came to America in the ship
"Mary and John." He was married in England, April 14, 1624. He was a
Puritan, who in 1630, with one hundred and forty families, organized a church
and left for America. His family was of Norman origin, running back to Sir
Ralph de Rockville, a Knight of the tenth century. The widow of William
Rockwell afterward married a member of the colony, Alatthew Grant, the
ancestor of General and ex-President U. S. Grant.
Christopher Huntington (I) was a son of Simon and Margaret (Baret)
Huntington, born in England. He died on ship, off the coast of Massachusetts,
in 1633-^
(IV) William Wilson Chaplin, son of Lieutenant William Craig Chaplin,
i6 ■ A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
was born on the old homestead on Neville Island, in Allegheny county, July 4,
1854, and died June 29, 1907. He obtained his education in the public schools
of Pittsburg. After graduating from the high schools he entered the Pittsburgh
Oil Exchange as assistant clearing house manager. At the end of two years
he was elected as manager of the company. Next he accepted a position as
manager of the Pittsburgh Petroleum, Stock and Metal Exchange, beginning
in 1894. He then went into the city controller's office under H. I. Gourley,
where he remained until he was elected secretary and manager of the Pitts-
burgh Stock Exchange, in March, 1899. He held this position until his death,
gaining each year the respect and admiration of bankers and brokers with
whom he came in contact. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Roman
Catholic church. He married, April 5, 1874, Annie M. Knox, daughter of
James B. and Henrietta (Beale) Knox. Their four children were — George
Knox Chaplin, Ethel Barr Chaplin, Melchor Cooper Chaplin, who died in
1904, aged twenty-nine years, and John Bryan Chaplin, who died in 1893, aged
nine years.
(IV) James Crossan Chaplin, son of Lieutenant William and Sarah J.
(Crossan) Chaplin, and commander in the United States navv, was born in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1836, died at sea September 23, 1866, buried
in St. Leonard's church-yard September 24, 1866, at Bridgetown, Barbadoes,
West Indies. He entered the United States navy October 4, 1850, and was
among the first to distinguish himself at the beginning of the Civil war, having
an enviable reputation for ability and courage. At the time of his death he was
executive officer of the steam-sloop "Monocacy," ten guns and 1,030 tons. The
commander paid this tribute to him : "For daring and cool bravery in the
performance of his duty he is not surpassed by that of any other in the service."
Of the sixteen years' service in the navy he spent twelve on the seas. Secretary
of the Navy Gideon Wells said to him in a letter after his gallant conduct at
Mathias Point in June, 1861, "The department highly appreciates vour brave
and heroic bearing on the trying occasion, and I am happy to communicate
to you the compliments extended by sending an extract of vour commander's
report as follows: 'In the hour of danger his presence of mind never forsook
him. Cool, calm and courageous, he was of such stuff as heroes are made.
In the social side his many virtues shone to equal advantage. He was one of
nature's noblemen and not one of the large circle who shared his friendship
will ever forget his genial ways and warm heart.' " (See page 410, Farragut
and Our Naval Commanders.)
He married Martha Flarris, who still survives. Their children were: i.
Virginia S. 2. James Crossan, of whom lat«r. 3. Mary C.
(V) James Crossan Chaplin, son of Lieutenant-Commander James C. and
Martha (Harris) Chaplin, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 7,
1863. His father died when he was but three years of age, leaving three chil-
dren, whose early lives were spent in Missouri. In 1879 Mrs. Chaplin, the
mother, removed to Sewickley, near Pittsburg, and James C., her son, accepted
a position in the Citizens' National Bank, which place he resigned to accept a
better position in the Fidelity and Trust Company, where he remained ten
years. He was first teller and then treasurer, but upon the formation of the
Colonial Trust Company he was appointed its vice-president. He has been
numbered among the most successful business factors of his borough. The
record he has made during the last fifteen years is well worthy the emulation
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 17
by the rising young men of Pennsylvania. He has always been active in local
affairs in Sewickley, including its politics, having served two terms in the
council. He is a vestryman and treasurer of St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal
church and is connected with a number of prominent business enterprises, and
a director of several financial institutions. In society Mr. Chaplin and his
wife, formerly Miss Fanny Campbell, daughter of the late Colonel David
Campbell, are as prominent as Mr. Chaplin is in business circles. He is a
member of the Pittsburg Chapter of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
They have two children, James Crossan (HI) and David Campbell.
(IV) John M. Chaplin, son of Lieutenant William Craig and Sarah
(Crossan) Chaplin, was born January 5, 1849, at officers' quarters. Navy
Yard, Memphis, Tennessee, and received his education under private tutors in
Pittsburg and at the academy at Tuscarora, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1866.
He then became clerk for his uncle, Colonel James M. Cooper. He resigned
that position to become discount and bills of exchange clerk in the Bank of
Pittsburg. After ten years of successful operations there he became manager
of the Pittsburgh Clearing House, where he remained twenty-one years and
finally retired as assistant manager. He was treasurer of the Bankers' and
Bank Clerks' Mutual Benefit Association in 1891, and its president in 1894.
He was an active participant in the organization of the Duquesne and the
Pittsburgh Clubs. From 1878 to 1881 he was secretary and treasurer and a
member of the board of governors of the last named club. In religious belief
he is an Episcopalian and in politics a Republican. Since retiring from the
clearing-house he has made his home on Neville Island, on the old homestead
his ancestors owned and for whom the island was named. In this quiet resort
he enjoys life. He being an admirer of fine dogs, he has a great variety of
them about his spacious homestead. He belongs to the Pennsylvania Society
of the Sons of the Revolution, and is also a member of Pittsburg Chapter of
the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is unmarried.
(IV) Melchior Beltzhoover Chaplin, son of Lieutenant William Craig
Chaplin, was born on Neville Island, Neville township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, September 19, 1852, and died May 21, 1904. Upon reaching
manhood he entered as a clerk in a mercantile house and remained there some
years. In 1883, with Lewis B. Fulton, he established the well known firm of
Chaplin-Fulton Company, who began the manufacture of gas meters, regu-
lators and kindred goods ; also iron and brass goods. The business was highly
successful and was later incorporated. Mr. Chaplin was its treasurer until his
death. The style of the incorporated company was the Chaplin-Fulton Manu-
facturing Company, and so continues.
Mr. Chaplin married Kitty S. Craig, daughter of Andrew and Mary Ann
(Houston) Craig, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. (No relation to the
General Craig family.) There were three children born of this union: Wil-
liam Craig Chaplin, born July 11, 1882; unmarried. After his education had
been obtained he entered his father's business, and at his death succeeded him
as treasurer of the Chaplin-Fulton Manufacturing Company. 2. Mary Craig
Chaplin, married Alexander Montgomery Brooks, of Sewickley. 3. Sarah C.
Chaplin.
(IV) W. Wilson Chaplin, son of Lieutenant William Craig Chaplin, was
born on Neville Island, Pittsburg, and died in June, 1907.
(II) Henry Knox Craig, fifth child of Major Isaac Craig, was born
i8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
March 7, 1791, and educated at Pittsburg; entered the United States army and
received a commission as second lieutenant of an artillery company March
17, 1812. He fought at Fort George and Stony Creek, Canada, and received
promotion to rank of captain December 23, 1813. In 1814 he had command
at Fort Niagara, New York. In ]\Iay, 1815, was transferred to the light
artillery as captain. He held the same position in the Third Regiment of
Artillery, and was appointed major of ordnances in 1832. During the Mexican
war he was chief of ordnances at headquarters of the army of occupation. He
was distinguished at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Mexico,
May 8 and 9, 1846. He was breveted lieutenant-colonel of the United States
army for meritorious conduct in the various conflicts at Monterey, Mexico,
September 21 and 23, 1846; was appointed colonel of ordnances in 1851, and
remained chief of that department up to 1861, and was retired in 1863. For
his long and faithful services he was brevetted brigadier-general. One of his
sons. Lieutenant Presley Oldham Craig, of the United States artillery, was
killed at the first Bull Run fight, July 21, 1861. Another son, Benjamin Fan-
ueil, born in 1829, died in 1877, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania
as a Bachelor of Arts in 1848, and in 1851 graduated in medicine. He became
a well-known chemist and had charge of the chemical department in the sur-
geon-general's office at Washington. The only daughter of General Craig
living is Jane Bethum. widow of General Hawkins. General Craig died
December 7, 1869.
(II) Neville B. Craig, second child of Major Isaac and Amelia (Neville)
Craig, was born March 29, 1787, in Colonel Boquet's redoubt, and died March
3, 1863. He was educated at the famous Pittsburgh Academy and at Prince-
ton College; he was admitted to the bar August 13, 1810; was city solicitor
from 1821 to 1830; owner and editor of the Pittsburgh Gazette (which he con-
verted into the first daily in the city) from 1829 to 1841. About that time he
was elected to the state legislature. Subsequently an investigation was made
regarding members supplying themselves with merchandise at the expense of
the commonwealth, and the result shows "That every member, with the single
exception of Craig, of Allegheny county, all had used his share of this plunder."
"The Centennial Volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg"
styles Mr. Craig "the historian par excellence of -the city he adorned." His
publications are to-day authority ; they are The Olden Time, two volumes,
1846-7; History of Pittsburgh. 1S51 ; Memoirs of Major Stobo. 1S54; Life and
Services of Major Isaac Craig. 1854; and an Exposure of Some of the Many
Misstatements of H. M. Breckcnridge's History of the Whiskey Insurrection,
1859. Mr. Craig was a member of the First Presbyterian church, of Pittsburg,
the American Antiquarian Society, and other bodies.
He married May i, 1811, fane Ann Fulton, born August 11, 1789, at
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; died January 14, 1852, at Pittsburg. She was the
daughter of Henry and Isabelle Fulton, whose issue was :
I. Isabelle Wilson, born September 25, 1812; married Rev. Henry G.
Comingo. 2. Emily Neville, born June 29, 1814; married Lieutenant Alfred
Beckley, of the United States army. 3. Mary Jane, born March 23, 1816;
died April 22, 1834, at Washington, Pennsylvania; married Rev. William Orr.
4. Harriet Matilda, born September 26, 1817; died January 14, 1850. 5.
Margaret Fulton, born August 22, 1821. 6. Isaac, born July 8, 1822; married
Rebecca McKibhin. 7. Henry Fulton, born August 5, 1824; died December
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 19
12, 1824. 8. Eliza Gray, born August 27, 1828 ; married Alexander M. Wall-
ingford. 9. Annie Neville, born July 11, 1831 ; married John S. Davidson.
10. Presley Neville, born July 12, 1833; died April 22, 1834.
(Ill) Isaac Craig, son of Neville B. Craig (II), was born July 18, 1822,
and was the grandson of !Major Isaac Craig. Few men in Pennsylvania de-
serve more gratitude and grateful recognition than this member of the Craig
family. As author and historian he became authority in western Pennsylvania
and the great Ohio valley. He was so looked upon by the Historical Society
of Pennsylvania, the same in Chicago, Bufifalo, Virginia and the Aztec Club.
All have testified their approval of his correctness. He was a member of all
these historical societies just named. He was the vice-president of the Penn-
sylvania Historical Society, member of the Pennsylvania Sons of the Revolu-
tion, and his whole life was devoted to research and study. He married January
12, 1847, Rebecca McKibbin, and their issue was: i. Neville B., born Decem-
ber I, 1847; married Margaret Sullivan. 2. Jane, born July 14, 1849, died
July 24, 1857. 3. Emily Neville, born May 11, 1851, died August 28, 1851.
4. Winfred Oldham, born November 10, 1852. 5. Chambers McKibbin, born
December 26, 1854. 6. Henry Fulton, born November 21, 1858, died July 29,
1861. 7. Isaac, born December 27, i860. 8. Rebecca, born May i, 1863. 9.
Presley Neville, born April 2, 1865, died December 17, 1870. 10. Oldham
Gray, born September 3, 1869.
(Ill) Isaac Eugene Craig, son of Oldham and Matilda (Roberts) Craig,
was born near Pittsburg, February 7, 1830. He was educated in Pittsburg
and Philadelphia, and went to Europe in 1853 and became a noted artist and
portrait painter. He finally settled in Paris and remained until 1855, when he
came to his native land, but returned to Europe in 1862 and spent one year in
Munich, later locating in Florence, where he was made honorary member of
the Academy of Fine Arts. Besides painting portraits of John T. Hart, the
Kentucky sculptor ; Hiram Powers, Thomas Ball, John A. Jackson and a full
length portrait of Hugh D. Evans, LL. D., of Baltimore, Maryland, he painted
views from Venice, and the following among many other subjects: "Saul and
David." "The Emigrant's Grave," "Daughter of Jarius," "The Brazen Serpent,"
"Pygmalion," "Shylock Signing the Bond," "Peace," "Venus and Cupid," and
the "Supper at Emmaus," a large picture for the church of St. Thomas at
Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania.
(III) Annie Neville Craig, daughter of Neville B. Craig (II), was born
July II, 1830, and married John S. Davison. He was born in New York city
September 3, 1825, and died July 2, 1868. He received his education in his
native city and graduated from Princeton College with the class of 1844. He
had intended to become a minister, but on account of ill health came to Pitts-
burg about 185 1 and established a book-store, being the first in the city; it was
on Wood street, near Market street. Subsequently he engaged in the hardware
business, with saddlery goods, on Wood street, operating under the firm name
of Mair & Davison, which he continued until his death. His wife died in 1906.
Their children were: Neville Craig Davison, of whom later mention is made.
Frederick Finley, who married Mary Johnston and had children — Annie Neville
and Sarah Shuman. Mary, wife of Robert R. Reed.
(IV) Neville Craig Davison, son of John S. and Annie Neville (Craig)
Davison, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 3, 1861, and received
his education at the public schools of the city, graduating from the State Col-
20 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
lege in 1883. He then became a chemist for the National Steel Works, with
whom he remained until 1900, when he engaged in business for himself as a
mechanical engineer, under the firm name of N. C. Davison & Company. He
is a member of the University Club and of the Society of the Sons of the
Revolution. He is unmarried.
MAJOR ADAM MERCER BROWN up to his retirement in 1903, was
one of the well-known members of the Allegheny county bar, practicing at
Pittsburg. He was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, son of Joseph and
Mary (Marshall) Brown, he being one of their six children. He descends from
German ancestry through the following lineage :
(I) Adam Brown, the emigrant to this country, came from Germany
prior to the Revolutionary war, settling at Big Springs, Pennsylvania, where
he spent the remainder of his life. He was one of the early-day tillers of the
soil, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war under Washington. He was
a very devout member of the Presbyterian church. Among his children was a
son, named after him, who was the grandfather of the subject.
(H) Adam Brown, son of the American ancestor, Adam (I), was born in
Germany, and came to Butler county, Pennsylvania, during the last years of
the eighteenth century according to an account found in the History of Butler
County, published in 1905. He settled in what was later known as Middlesex
township, and owned some four hundred acres of land in that neighborhood,
and near the site of Brownsdale. There he cleared up a farm, which he highly
improved. He served as one of the early constables of his township. Politically
he voted the Whig ticket and in his faith adhered to that of the Presbyterian
church. He was a man fairly educated, both in English and German; he wielded
considerable influence in his county and was esteemed by all the pioneers. He
was buried in the old Presbyterian cemetery in Middlesex township. He mar-
ried Agnes Plolmes, of Ireland, but who resided at the time of her marriage in
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Both she and her husband died in the
nineteenth century. The children born to them were as follows: i. John, who
died on a portion of the old farm. 2. Adam. 3. Joseph, the subject's father.
4. Thomas R., who died in Pittsburg. 5. Elizabeth, who married James Mc-
Candless and died in Butler county. 6. Martha, wife of Johnson White, who
died in the same county. 7. Margaret, who married William White and died
in Ohio.
(HI) Joseph Brown, son of Adam (H) and Agnes (Holmes) Brown,
was born, reared and died in Butler county, Pennsylvania. He was born in
1800 and died about 1884, on the farm which had been in the Brown family
from the first settlement in the country. He erected a mill and carried on mill-
ing and operated an old-fashioned distillery in conjunction with his farming
operations. His place was one of the best improved in all of that section of
the state. He married Mary Marshall, born 1798, and died in 1877. She was
a native of Ireland, the daughter gf James and Jane Marshall, who came to
the United States after their daughter had reached womanhood, and located in
Butler county. James and Jane Marshall were the parents of eight children,
several of whom became prominent in business and professional life. One son,
James Marshall, was one of Pittsburg's most enterprising and well-known busi-
ness men. Another son, Thomas M. Marshall, became one of Pennsylvania's
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 21
brilliant attorneys, leaving a history behind him well worthy of record. Samuel,
another son, was judge in the court of common pleas in Butler county several
years, while his brother David was a well-to-do merchant of the same county.
Joseph and Mary (Marshall) Brown were the parents of six children, as fol-
lows: I. Jane, wife of David Douthett, of Brownsdale, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania. 2. Adam Mercer, the subject, of whom later. 3. Esther L., widow
of General William Blakeley, a brigadier in the Civil war ; she resides in Butler
county with her daughter. 4. William M. Brown, still living in Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, formerly a farmer and at one time sheriff of Butler county,
Pennsylvania. 5. James, deceased. 6. Sarah B., wife of D. B. Douthett, a
former member of the Pennsylvania state legislature as a member of the house
of representatives from Butler county. He is now a resident of Wilkinsburg.
(IV) Major Adam M. Brown, son of Joseph (III) and Mary (Marshall)
Brown, was born in Middlesex township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, August
3, 1829. He attended the Butler Academy, and private training was given him
in Pittsburg, to which city he was sent to complete his education. His parents
from the first had intended him to become a merchant, but after finishing his
education he was prevailed upon to take up the study of medicine, so he began
reading under Dr. A. G. McQuaide, of Butler, but some time later, however,
through the advice of Thomas M. Marshall, he abandoned his medical studies
and took up law instead of medicine for his profession. He entered the
office of Thomas M. Marshall and in 1854 was admitted to the bar in
the Pennsylvania courts and became a law partner with Mr. Marshall, con-
tinuing until 1865, when he severed his connection with him and opened an
office for himself on Fifth avenue, Pittsburg, where he was located up to his
retirement in 1903. Early in life he became much interested in military mat-
ters, and for several years was major of the Washington battalion of the^ Penn-
sylvania Guards.
Almost from the beginning of his professional career Mr. Brown inter-
ested himself in politics, being a staunch defender of the general principles of
the Republican party, although purely on principle, as he never cared for politi-
cal preferment in the way of office-holding. But few, if indeed any, have con-
tributed more to the success of the Republican cause in western Pennsylvania.
He was a member of the select council of Pittsburg three years, and was a dele-
gate to the national convention which nominated President Lincoln in 1864,
and Grant and Colfax in 1868. By his earnestness in those two great conven-
tions— the one in the very darkest days of the Civil war and the other just after
it had closed — he acquired a reputation even throughout the nation. At the
outbreak of the war he devoted himself with all of his energies in aiding and
maintaining the union ; his efforts to encourage enlistments and volunteers for
the army from his section of the commonwealth were very marked. He was
frequently urged by his legion of admirers to become a candidate for congress,
also for a place on the judiciary, both of which he declined. In 1874 he was
sought out for a candidate for mayor of Pittsburg, but declined the honors.
In 1873 he was one of the chief organizers of the Anchor Savings Bank of
Pittsburg, of which he was made president. He has also been a director in
the Cash Insurance Company and the Odd Fellows Saving Bank. He achieved
general popularity on account of his conceded patriotism and public spirit, and
enjoys the respect and full confidence of all who have so long known him as
friend and valuable citizen.
22 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
His legal practice has been nearly all in civil cases, but on important crim-
inal actions he has appeared as counsel. He has ever been able to hold the at-
tention and command the respect of judge and jury, where on more than one
occasion he has achieved positive forensic triumphs. In a celebrated trial, in
the case of James Nutt, charged with the murder of Captain Dukes, in 1884, he
defended, and by his extraordinary skill and eloquence combined he succeeded
in obtaining an acquittal.
Mr. Brown is a member of the United Presbyterian church, where he has
for forty-odd years served on the official board. He is a man whose percep-
tion of the justice and propriety of things make him unbending to the wishes
and offers made by designing men. In 1902, after retiring from the legal prac-
tice, he was appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania to the office of recorder
of Pittsburg, so called by the provisional act of assembly, but really to assume
the office of mayor, which officer had been removed. Subsequently he was re-
moved from said office by the same governor, which removal resulted in a po-
litical revolution that swept from power the political organization which had
had absolute control of the city and county for over twenty-five years.
Mr. Brown was married in 1854 to Lucetta Turney, daughter of Adam
and Hannah (Weber) Turney, of Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania. Her mother was a daughter of Rev. John William Weber, founder
of the German Reformed United Evangelical church, at the corner of Sixth
avenue and Smithfield street, Pittsburg, the earliest church in the city. Mr.
Turney was of Scotch-Irish lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of
the following children, who are living : Judge Marshall, of the court of com-
mon pleas of Allegheny county; John, an attorney, of Pittsburg; Thomas M.,
an attorney, of the same city; Sarah B., widow of Dr. Herron, residing at Pitts-
burg; Caroline, wife of John H. Herron, of Pittsburg; William J., of Dalton,
Pennsylvania.
John Dean Brown, youngest son of Adam M. Brown and wife, was born
in Pittsburg. He finished his education at Harvard University and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1889, since which time he has been in constant practice in
Pittsburg. Politically Mr. Brown is a supporter of the Republican party and
in religious faith a United Presbyterian.
He was united in marriage June 2, 1898, to Helen Dorothy, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Otis Shepard. By this union the issue is Dorothy Westlake
Brown, born June 26, 1900.
ANDREW JACKSON BURBANK, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, comes
of an old New England family, the American ancestor of which was one of
three brothers who came from England prior to 1640 and settled at Haverhill,
Massachusetts. One of the three brothers mentioned soon returned to Eng-
land and the other two remained, and it is believed that from one, named Tohn
Burbank, descended Andrew Jackson Burbank. From recent biographical
works on Luther Burbank, now of California, the man who above all others
has propagated thousands of plants, as well as vegetables and fruits, making
improved varieties, including the most beautiful roses and numerous other
flowers, the celebrated "Burbank" potato, the seedless orange, etc., it appears
that he too comes from this family tree of New England. He was born near
Boston, at Lancaster, Massachussetts, and is from English ancestry on his
father's and Scotch descent on his mother's side.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 23
The genealogical line as relates to Andrew J. Burbank is as follows :
(I) John Burbank, who came to Massachusetts prior to 1640, settling at
Haverhill, removed in 1674 to Suffield, Connecticut, where he purchased land.
He married and among his children was a son, Ebenezer.
(H) Ebenezer Burbank, Revolutionary soldier, married and was the
father of a son named for himself.
(HI) Ebenezer Burbank, Jr., married and had a son, Alanson S.
(IV) Alanson S. Burbank married, and by such union was born George
A. Burbank, who became the grandfather of Andrew J. of this sketch.
(V) George A. Burbank, grandfather, married and was a resident of
Orange county, Vermont, where the family are spoken of in Vermont histories
as being early settlers in that state. He was by occupation a merchant, and
died about 1S36. Among his children was Gustavus Adolphus Burbank.
(VI) Gustavus A. Burbank, the father, was born in 1815 at Wells River,
Vermont. He was by occupation a lawyer and banker, and died in 1897. Po-
litically he was a Democrat and in religious belief a Presbyterian. The children
of Gustavus A. Burbank were : Andrew J., Catherine M., Charles D. and
George A.
The following are references found in different records and publications
bearing on the Burbank family as early residents of New England :
In the work entitled "Pioneers of Massachusetts" it is stated that
John Burbank (American progenitor of Andrew J. Burbank) was admitted as
a "freeman" May 13, 1640; was a town officer, a "proprietor," and that he had
children: John, known as "Little John"; Timothy; Ebenezer; Lydia, bom
February 7, 1644; Caleb, born March 19, 1646; Mary, born March 16, 1655,
buried July 12, 1660.
John (I) made his will April 5, 1681, which was probated April 10, 1683.
This instrument was made when he "was aged and decrepit." He bequeathed
his property to his wife "Jemima" and sons Caleb and John, his grandson John
(son of Timothy, deceased), and to his daughter Lydia Burbank. His widow
died March 24, 1692-3.
In the Genealogical Dictionary of New England, Vol. I, it states : "John
Burbank, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, son of John, married, October 15, 1663,
Susanna, daughter of Nathaniel Merrill, and in 1680 removed with several
children to Suffield, Connecticut, where his wife died 1690. He had a second
and third wife, but no issue except by the first marriage."
In the same record is mentioned Joseph Burbank, who came from England
in 1635 in the ship "Abigail," from London, aged twenty-four years. When he
arrived at the custom house it was writ "Borebanke," but where he sat down is
unknown. It is likely that this Joseph was one of the three brothers before
named (one being the ancestor of Andrew J. Burbank), and the one who re-
turned to his native country soon after coming here. The other, so it is be-
lieved, came from England in 1635, and that John (I) settled first at Haverhill
in 1640, and then removed in 1674 to Suffield, Connecticut.
(VII) Andrew Jackson Burbank was born at Wells River, Orange
county, Vermont, July 25, 1833, ^'^'^ educated at the academies at Danville and
St. Johnsbury and the seminary at Newbury, Vermont. He learned the trade
of house finishing in St. Johnsbury, and later worked at the Amoskeag Loco-
motive works at Manchester, New Hampshire, and in the Essex Machine and
Locomotive Works at Lawrence, ^^lassachusetts. Later he was employed at
24 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Nashua, New Hampshire, setting up or assembling machinery for the new
Jackson Manufacturing Corporation. This machinery was built at the Essex
Machine and Locomotive Works. In 1855 he went to Minnesota, and during
the panic of 1857, with thousands of other business men, lost his property. In
1859-60 he had so far recovered as to be engaged in the lumber business at
Hannibal, Missouri, where he was at the outbreak of the Civil war. His whole
sympathies being with the North, his life was threatened and his stocks of
lumber at Chillicothe and Laclede, Missouri, were burned. He left Missouri,
going to Vermont, where he engaged in the manufacture of furniture at New-
bury, remaining until 1862, when he came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where
he was in the office of the collector of internal revenue for the Twenty-second
district of Pennsylvania. Subsequently he received the appointment of United
States inspector and gauger of distilled spirits and coal oil, which office he
held until the war closed, when it was abolished. Mr. Burbank then purchased
a one-fourth 'interest in the steamboat "Le Claire" No. 2, which plied on the
waters of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In addition to his being a part
owner in the boat he was also first clerk. After leaving the river he engaged
in the oil business in Venango county and real estate in Pittsburg, in which he
was quite successful in his operations.
Politically Mr. Burbank is a supporter of the Republican party. He rep-
resented the Eighteenth ward of the city in select council (the same territory
being at the time he first settled there within Collins township). He is an ad-
vanced Mason, having received the thirty-second degree in that order ; is a
life member of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Pittsburg; also a member of "The Lyceum," a Masonic club of
Pittsburg. At this date (1908) he is engaged in real estate, mortgages and
judgment notes as a private business.
Mr. Burbank has been twice married, first at Haverhill, New Hampshire,
August 26, 1862, to Mrs. Esther Eaton, nee Hall, who died November 28,
1886. By this marriage three children were born, two of whom are still living:
Andrew Carlton, unmarried, located at Choteau, Montana; and Mary A., who
married John C. Hilbert June 21, 1887, and they have one child, Esther Abbie,
born May 10, 1888. For his second wife he married April 29, 1891, in Sharps-
burg, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Sarah M. Gercke, nee Himmens, born in Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, March 26, 1837. No issue by this marriage.
JAMES ISAAC BUCHANAN, of Pittsburg, was born in 1853 in Ham-
ilton, Ontario, and is descended on both sides from Scottish ancestry. His
father, the late Honorable Isaac Buchanan, was a native of Scotland, and at
one time held the office of president of the executive council, Canada. He mar-
ried Agnes, second daughter of Robert Jarvie. of Glasgow, Scotland, and of
this marriage James Isaac Buchanan is the fifth son.
James Isaac Buchanan received his education in his native place and at
Gait (Tassie's) Collegiate Institute. His early business training was obtained
in the house of Buchanan & Company, Hamilton, Ontario. About thirty years
ago he removed to Pennsylvania, settling first at Oil City, where he was em-
ployed by the Oil City Trust Company, and afterward by Captain J. J. Vander-
grift, with whom he removed to Pittsburg about twenty-three years ago. In
that city he has been and is interested in banking and in various industrial and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 25
commercial companies and enterprises. He is trustee for the estate of J. J.
Vandergrift (founder of the town of Vandergrift) and belongs to the board
of directors of the Keystone National Bank of Pittsburg. He has also offi-
ciated as trustee of other estates and is president of the Pittsburgh Trust Com-
pany and the Terminal Trust Company. He is president of the Pittsburgh
Terminal Warehouse and Transfer Company, the great river and rail ter-
minal ; director of the Unity Oil Company ; director, secretary and treasurer
of the Keystone Commercial Company ; director of the Washington Oil Com-
pany, the Taylorstown Natural Gas Company and the Natural Gas Company
of West Virginia. He is a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce,
the Pittsburg board of trade, and is senior member of the firm of J. I. Bu-
chanan & Company, investment securities and managers of properties.
Among other public institutions with which he is prominently identified
are the Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Humane Society of
Western Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Orchestra Committee, of which he
is chairman. He is an honorary member of the Humane Society of Baltimore,
Maryland, and a life member of the following organizations : American Geo-
graphical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Art
Society of Pittsburg, St. Andrew's Society of New York and St. Andrew's
Society of Philadelphia. He is past master of St. John's Lodge No. 219, F.
and A. M., Pittsburg, and an active member and deputy for Pennsylvania of
the supreme council. He belongs to the Duquesne Club, the Country Club, the
Oakmont Country Club, the University Club, the Cornell Club and the Cana-
dian Association, all of Pittsburg ; also the Thousand Islands Yacht Club, the
Caledon Mountain Trout Club, Ontario, and the Bostonais Association, Que-
bec. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church, and has filled the office of
president of the Presbyterian Union of Pittsburg and Allegheny.
Mr. Buchanan married in 1901 Eliza, fourth daughter of the late Isaiah
Graham and IMargaret (McDowell) Macfarlane, of Pittsburg, the latter the
daughter of Samuel McDowell, formerly of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania.
HENRY HENNING, one of the organizers and the president of the
Knoxville (borough) St. Clair Savings and Trust Company, and a foremost
business factor of that place, was born in Mount Oliver, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, October 31, 1847, son of Adam and Marie (Hochhouse) Hen-
ning, he being one of seven children. His father was a native of Hessen, Ger-
many, born November 14, 1806. He was reared in his native country and
learned the cooper's trade, which occupation he followed the most of the time
during the active years of his life. In 1846 he emigrated to this country, locat-
ing in Mount Oliver, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He there purchased a
homestead, on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying February 7,
1891. In his early life he was a Democrat in politics, but the nomination of
Abraham Lincoln, the anti-slavery candidate for the presidency in i860, caused
him to ally himself with the Republican party, which he ever afterward sup-
ported. He was of a conservative disposition, but was widely known for his
numerous charitable acts and liberal contributions. In his religious convic-
tions and creed he was of the Presbyterian faith. He married Miss Marie
Hochhouse, born in Hessen, Germany, in 1816; she died in May, 1892. To
them were born seven children, five of whom survive, as follows : Catherine,
26 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
wife of Simon Schwartz, of Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, residing on the old
Henning homestead. Henry, of this sketch. Margaret, widow of John
Schwartz, Mount Oliver, Pennsylvania, living on a part of the old homestead.
Sophia, unmarried, residing at the old home place. Mary, who lives with her
sister Sophia.
Henry Henning, the subject, acquired his education at the schools of
Mount Oliver, but at the tender age of nine years went to work on the farm
of Jeremiah Knox, under whom he studied gardening and the business of a
nurseryman. At that date Mr. Knox grew thousands of grapevines, and by
the time young Henning was fifteen years of age he had charge of this depart-
ment of Mr. Knox's business. When seventeen years old he went to Phila-
delphia to complete his knowledge of the nursery business, remaining one year
in the employ of Robert Buist, then the most extensive florist in the United
States, After his year's instruction there he returned to Allegheny county and
established a greenhouse at the nursery farm of the Lebanon Nursery, under
Henry Bockstoce. After two years Mr. Henning had fully installed the florist
business for that nursery, and in 1867 went to Iowa, where he was employed
at his trade at West Union, Fayette county. There he propagated and grew
plants for a Mr. Morris, who had but recently engaged in the business at that
point. He continued there two years and nine months, and during this time
he was united in marriage. In April, 1870, he returned to Pennsylvania to
take charge of the propagating department of the nurseries of the Jeremiah
Knox farm. He remained there one year, when the nurseries passed into the
hands of Cummings & Company, and Mr. Henning was made general superin-
tendent of the entire farm. In 1874 he was engaged in gardening for himself
at Mount Oliver; four years later he leased the Knox farm, operated it three
years, and then removed to Knoxville, engaging in the grocery business, also
handling feed and seeds, later adding builders' supplies. During the following
twenty-five years he was one of the foremost business factors of Knoxville.
In 1903 he was one of the organizers of the St. Clair Savings and Trust Company
of Knoxville, he being one of the largest stockholders, and was niade its presi-
dent, which position he still holds.
Mr. Henning was one of the first signers to a petition asking for a charter
to be granted for a borough at Knoxville, and served as burgess from 1903
to 1906. He has been closely identified with every movement looking to the
advancement of the borough's interest. Politically he is a Republican, and has
served several years on the school board and borough council.
Mr. Henning married, September 27, 1869, Celia, daughter of Marcus and
Mary (Wilbur) Lasell. The father was a well-known farmer residing near
West Union, Iowa. By this union were born seven children, five of whom
survive: George A., a train dispatcher for the Pittsburg Railways Company.
Louis M., foreman for the John Seibert Construction Company, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. Laura M., at home. Edward, associated with the subject in
business. Frank, teller in the St. Clair Savings and Trust Company.
LOUIS ROTT, a well-known resident of Homestead, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, president of the First National Bank of Homestead, and closely
and prominently identified with the political and financial interests of that sec-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 27
tion of the state for many years, is a representative of an old and honored
family of Germany-
Christian Rott, grandfather of Louis Rott, was a native of Germany,
where his entire life was spent. Little is known of him save that he was man-
ager of iron works in Isenhutte, Germany, and was a man of influence in the
community. He married and had children.
Christian Rott, son of the Christian Rott mentioned above, served for a
time as a soldier in the German army, then studied veterinary surgery. Later
he worked in the silver mines of Mr. Koch, father of the celebrated specialist,
Dr. Koch, and was also engaged in making tools for use in blacksmithing. He
emigrated to America in 1850, settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he
died in 1875. He was the first toolmaker in what was at that time Crogansville
and is now the Twelfth ward. He then accepted a position with Newmyer &
Graff, with whom he continued until he retired from active work. He was
buried in Allegheny Cemetery. He married, in Germany, Louisa Heisecke,
and they had children: i. Frederick, a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
2. Christian, born in Badenhausen, Brunswick, Germany, October 29, 1841,
received the main part of his education in the public schools of Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, and at the age of sixteen years commenced to work in the shovel fac-
tory of Newmyer & Graff, in that city. He remained with them for a period
of two years, when he unfortunately fell from a skylight, broke both of his
arms, and never completely regained the use of one of them. He then ac-
cepted the position of bookkeeper in a soap factory in Pittsburg, and after a
time was advanced to the position of foreman of the works, a position he re-
tained for a period of four years. He became a member of the firm of George
A. McBeth & Company in 1878, and this business developed to such an extent
that they were considered the foremost lamp manufacturers in the world at that
time. He was very successful in his various business undertakings, making
several trips to Europe and gaining a great amount of knowledge concerning
the art of glass-making. He was at one time secretary of three building and
loan associations. He has been an ardent supporter of the principles of the
Republican party, was member of the Pittsburg city council for one year, and
active in the organization of the borough of Wilkinsburg. He is a member of
the Swedenborgian church of Allegheny, and of the following fraternal or-
ganizations : Legion of Honor, Royal Arcanum, Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He married, in June, 1871, Sarah Johnson, daughter of C. C. John-
son, of Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, and they have had children : Wil-
liam, Frederick, Cora and Walter Christian. 3. Louis, see forward.
Louis Rott, third and youngest son and child of Christian and Louisa
(Heisecke) Rott, was born in Badenhausen, Brunswick, Germany, October
22, 1844. He was six years of age -when he came to the United States with
his parents, and his education was acquired in the public schools of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. At the age of fourteen years he obtained a position in the drug
business of W. J. Radcliff, with whom he remained for five years, when Mr.
Radcliff sold the business to B. L. Fahnestock, also of Pittsburg, and Mr. Rott
continued in the employ of the latter-named gentleman for a further period of
sixteen years. He removed to Homestead in 1882" and opened a drug store on
his own account, at the corner of Ann street and Eighth avenue, and soon be-
came an important factor in borough matters. He has been closely and promi-
nently connected with many of the most important financial enterprises of this
28 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
section. He is a director in the Homestead Baking Company, also in the
Homestead Brick Company, and director and president of the First National
Bank. In politics Mr. Rott has always been an uncompromising Republican
in general elections. He voted for Horace Greeley, and was chairman of the
meeting at the time of the old Fifth ward market house. He served for three
years as councilman in Bellevue ; was school director and secretary of the
school board for three years ; served two terms of three years each as council-
man in Homestead, and was treasurer of the borough for ten years ; was elected
burgess in 1906, an office he is holding at the present time, and made the first
yearly report ever made by a Homestead burgess ; he has been a member of
the Republican executive committee since the incorporation of that body. He
was baptized- in the Lutheran church in Germany, but since coming to Home-
stead has been a member of the Episcopal church, of which he has been senior
warden for some years, and of which his family are also members. He has
taken a leading part in fraternal life for many years and is connected with the
following fraternal organizations : One of the organizers of Magdala Lodge
No. 491, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was its secretary for many
years; this was the first lodge of this order in Homestead. He and Mr. Mc-
Andress selected the name and have been successful in erecting the finest lodge
hall in Pennsylvania, at a cost of forty thousand dollars. He was one of the
organizers, July 28, 1890, and is now past master of Homestead Lodge No.
582, Free and Accepted Masons, of Homestead ; member of the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania; member of Shiloh Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Pitts-
burg; and was initiated in Stuckradt Lodge No. 430, Free and Accepted Ma-
sons, of Pittsburg, July 7, 1870. He is a member of the Golden Eagles ;.one of
the organizers of Boaz Council No. 814, Royal Arcanum, Homestead; a char-
ter member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs of Homestead ; past exalted
ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; member of McAndress
Encampment; and has been a member of the Knights of Pythias since 1866,
formerly of Grant Lodge No. 258 of Pittsburg, and now of Homestead Lodge.
Mr. Rott married, first, in June, 1876, Arabella Jeannette McCandless,
daughter of Robert and Ann (Lafferty) McCandless. Mrs. Rott was the prin-
cipal of the Sixteenth ward school, and was an active worker in church circles.
They had children: i. Louis Edwin, is a bookkeeper in the employ of Feath
& Kerr, and resides in Munhall borough. He married Eva Stemler and has
one child, Dorothy Louise. 2. Robert George, is clerk in the employ of the
Carnegie Steel Company and resides in Homestead. 3. Charles Henry, died,
and is buried in Homestead Cemetery. 4. Albert John, displays great and
marked artistic talent in various directions. 5. A son who died in infancy.
Mrs. Rott died, and is buried in Allegheny Cemetery. Mr. Rott married, sec-
ond, Margaret Virginia McCandless, a sister of his first wife, also active in
church matters. Robert McCandless was one of the incorporators of the St.
James Episcopal church at the corner of Sixteenth street and Penn avenue, and
willed ten thousand dollars to this institution at his death.
ALEXANDER TAYLOR, the present (1907) manager of works of the
Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, was born in Glasgow,"
Scotland, July 25, 1864. His paternal grandfather was Alexander Taylor, and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 29
among his children were : Angus McDonald, John, Thomas, Adam, and Mar-
garet, who married John Rust:, of Boston.
Angus McDonald Taylor, the eldest of his father's children, became the
father of the subject of this notice. He was born in Paisley, Scotland, April
I, 1839, and came to this country in 1870, settling in Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, where he was employed for many years as shipping clerk for Brown
& Company, of the Wayne Iron and Steel Works. He married, in 1863, Mar-
garet Willis Bennie, who was born November i, 1841, in Scotland. They had
five children: i. Alexander, subject. 2. John B., married Marie Lansing. 3.
Angus McDonald, Jr., married Nora Elliott, and they have children, Margaret
and Elliott. 4. James C, married Anna Fritche. 5. Margaret, wife of Charles
H. Holyland, and they are the parents of two children, Willis and Charles.
Alexander, Taylor, the subject, was reared in Allegheny City, where he
attended the public schools and later graduated from the Curry Institute, Pitts-
burg. It was in September, 1888, that he entered the employ of the Electric
Company, as one -whose duties were in the winding department. He remained
there until 1891, and was then transferred to the storeroom as stock man.
Subsequently he was connected with the purchasing agent's office as a clerk,
and in May, 1897, he was placed in charge of the Allegheny foundry. January
I, 1901, he was made assistant superintendent of the foundry, and in Septem-
ber of the same year he received the appointment of superintendent of the
foundries, with headquarters at Allegheny City. October 5, 1902, he was pro-
moted to superintendent of production, which position he held until August,
1905, when his title was extended to superintendent of production and stores.
In September 1905, he was made superintendent of the East Pittsburg works,
and December 15 the same year, owing to the absence of the manager, Mr.
Philip A. Lange (occasioned by his call to the Manchester works of the British
company), Mr. Taylor was made acting manager of the works, having charge
of the East Pittsburg, Cleveland, Newark and the New Allegheny works. Mr.
Taylor's steady rise in the Westinghouse organization has been due chiefly to
the untiring interest he has taken in the business, doing each known duty to
the best of his ability.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of Allegheny Blue
Lodge No. 223, Allegheny Chapter No. 217, Allegheny Commandery No. 35
and the Pennsylvania Consistory in the Valley of Pittsburg. Politically he is
a Republican, and while living at Bellevue served on the borough council from
1899 to 1902. He has also served eleven years in the National Guard of Penn-
sylvania, in the Eighteenth regiment, resigning with the rank of regimental
commissar}' sergeant.
December 21, 1887, Mr. Taylor was married to Estella Blanche Johnston,
daughter of W. G. and Matilda (Klages) Johnston. Her father was a member
of the well-known firm of Johnston Brothers, carriage builders. Mr. and Mrs.
Taylor are the parents of two sons: Harold A., born December 21, 1888, and
Lester M., born March 23, 1890.
PETER SNYDER, a well-known citizen of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, re-
siding at No. 3405 Ward street, is engaged in the boat building business, and is
well known throughout the sporting world as an oarsman of merit. He is, as
the name indicates, of German descent.
30
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
John Snyder, father of Peter Snyder, was born in Germany in 1805. He
emigrated to the United States about the year 1820, and settled in Butler
county, Pennsylvania. There he purchased a large tract of land near Belt City
from the Indians, and this is still in the possession of some of his descendants
and those of his sister Catherine. He spent the greater part of his life on this
property and died at an advanced age. He came to Pittsburg and associated
himself in the ice business with a Mr. Walker, and they were the first mer-
chants who delivered ice from a wagon in the city of Pittsburg. The runner
from which they derived their supply was located on a piece of land which is
now called Snyder's Landing. They continued this business very successfully
for a number of years, and in addition had a number of other business interests.
One of them was a saloon on the Diamond, which is still remembered by many
Pittsburg citizens as a meeting place for Republican politicians. Mr. Snyder
was an active supporter of the Republican party and a member of the Catholic
church. He married Mary Elizabeth Block, a resident of Pittsburg, born in
France. She was a descendant of an old and honored family who were noted
for their longevity. Her father attained the advanced age of one hundred and
six years, and died in the full possession of all his faculties. He was a mes-
senger to Napoleon. The children of John and Mary Ehzabeth (Block) Sny-
der were: i. John, who married Nora Mitchell. 2. George, unmarried, who
enlisted in the" Thirteenth regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed
in the battle at Spottsylvania. 3. Catherine, who married Peter Lineham. 4.
Frank F., married Anna Kearney. 5. A child who died at an early age. 6.
Peter, the particular subject of this sketch.
Peter Snyder, son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Block) Snyder, was born
on the old homestead, West End, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1849.
He attended the schools of the First ward, where he obtained a good educa-
tion. When he entered upon his business career, boat building immediately
engaged his attention, and while still a very young man he was
engaged in building shell boats for racing purposes. This brought him into
contact with the racing world, and he acquired an excellent reputation as a
professional rower. He was a member of the Undine and Blackmore Boating
Clubs, and is at present (1907) a member of the Columbia Club. He has rowed
in numerous races and still keeps up his practice during his summer vacations.
He became a member of the fire department of Pittsburg in 1883, and has filled
in succession all the positions from hoseman up to engineer of Oakland dis-
trict, to which position he was appointed in 1902. He is now stationary engi-
neer of No. 24. He is the sole possessor of the fireman's medal which was
awarded for bravery to any fireman in Pittsburg. He is greatly interested in
educational affairs and was a school director of the First ward. His religious
affiliations are with the Catholic church, and he is a member of the Republican
party.
Mr. Snyder married Margaret Kearney, who died on July 4, 1900, a daugh-
ter of Martin Kearney, and they had children: Elizabeth, born March 15, 1868,
married John Gray, and has children, Joseph and Margaret ; Martin, born
March 17, 1870, married Theresa Kennedy, and had children, Peter, Ellen,
William, David, Theresa, Michael, Richard and Michael ; Sadie, born August
5, 1872, married William O'Leary and has children, Hildreth and Margaret;
David B., born in June, 1874, died at the age of twenty-four years; William,
born March 18, 1876, died in 1900; Peter, born July 21, 1878, was drowned at
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 31
the age of seven years; Catherine, born July 5, 1887, married Louis A. Wells,
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Margaret Gray, the granddaughter of Peter
Snyder, was married on September 11, 1903, to J. A. Miller, and has children,
Cecila and Elizabeth. Mr. Snyder married Katherine Porter June 26, 1907.
PETER FEY, one of the oldest and most substantial business men of
Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and who has taken a leading part
in advancing the financial interests of that section, traces his ancestry to
France, their ancestral home being in Alsace-Lorraine. Colonel De Fey, great-
great-grandfather of Peter Fey, was an officer under the command of General
LaFayette during the war of the Revolution, and was of marked assistance to
General Washington. Peter Fey, an uncle of the subject of this sketch, served
sixteen years with gallantry in the French army, then came to this country,
and for many years was in military service in the United States.
Nicholas Fey, father of Peter Fey, was born in France and emigrated to
the United States in 1849. He settled in West Homestead, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming operations and coal mining.
He had been a stonemason in France, working as a journeyman in Paris, Lyons
and several other towns, and thoroughly understood the manufacture of brick.
In America he was connected with the old West Brick Plant, which manufac-
tured brick on a large scale. He married Magdalena Decker, also a native of
France, and they were the parents of children: i. Catherine, who married
Bernard Kroege.r, deceased, a farmer at Bull Run. 2. John, resides in Thomp-
son's Run, was formerly engaged in farming and mining operations, is now in
the grocery business in Duquesne borough. He married Susan Miller. 3. Cas-
per, is a farmer and resides in Boston, Pennsylvania. He married jSIargaret
Bickar. 4. Anna, married Henry Ruhe, a farmer, now filling the office of
street commissioner. They reside in Duquesne borough. 5. Nicholas, Jr., is
a miller and plumber, and resides in Duquesne borough. He married Caroline
Rogers. 6. Peter, see forward. 7. Jacob, died at the age of eighteen years at
Bull Run, and is buried in the Bull Run cemetery. 8. William, an engineer,
married Elizabeth Garver, and resides in Duquesne borough.
Peter Fev, third son and sixth child of Nicholas and Magdalena (Decker)
Fev, was born in an old log house in West Homestead, which stood near the
big' spring just across the borough line, November 25, 1856. He was educated
in the public schools of Mifflin township and Dravosburg, and made the most
of his opportunities in this direction. At the age of fourteen years he com-
menced to assist in the farming and coal mining operations, and was thus
occupied until 1880, when he removed to Homestead. He accepted a position
in the Pittsburgh Steel Works, now the Carnegie Steel Mills of Homestead,
but abandoned this occupation at the expiration of two years and established
himself in the grocery business. For a period of sixteen years he was in
business in Sixth avenue, and was one of the last to desert that thoroughfare,
as it was at one time the main business street. Since 1905 his business has
been located at No. 313 Eighth avenue, and has grown to such proportions that
he has found it necessarv to extend the building through to Seventh avenue,
and uses both floors of the structure. In addition to carrying on this business
Mr. Fey found time to devote to a number of other business enterprises. He
was one of the organizers of the Homestead Savings and Trust Company, and
32 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
was elected the second vice-president, advancing to the office of first vice-
president, and is now (1907) president and head of this important financial
institution. It was largely due to his individual efiforts that the McClure build-
ing was purchased and remodeled, which was one of the most progressive
moves made by this company. Mr. Fey has also invested considerably in real
estate, and is considered one of the largest property holders of this section.
He is one of the promoters and a director of the Board of Trade, which
promises an immense advantage to the future of Homestead. He and his fam-
ily are members of the Catholic church in Homestead. He is also a member
of the following organizations : Knights of Columbus, Catholic Mutual Benefit
Association, Knights of St. George, and Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks.
He married, September 28, 1880, Lizzie Rushe, daughter of John and
Christina Rushe, and they have had children : Anna, married John B. Con-
nolly, one of the clerks of the court; Gertrude, Estella, Mary Edna, Howard
Sylvester, Elizabeth Catherine and Loyola Cecelia.
REVEREND EDWARD P. GRIFFIN, rector of St. Mary's on the
Mount and superior of the Pittsburg Apostolate, was born October 14, 1863,
in Brooklyn, New York, son of Edward Griffin and grandson of Patrick Grif-
fin, who was born in Ireland and in 1828 emigrated to the United States.
He was fitted for his sacred profession at St. Vincent's College, near La-
trobe, Westmoreland county, and was there ordained a priest July 13, 1888.
ALEXANDER MURDOCH, assistant secretary and treasurer of the
Pittsburgh Bank for Savings, was born October 19, 1877, son of Alexander
A. Murdoch and grandson of John Murdoch, Jr. Alexander A. Murdoch was
born April 9, 1840, on the Squirrel Hill farm, received his education in the
public schools, and all his life was engaged in the nursery and greenhouse
business. May i, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Reserve Volunteers, a regiment which was attached to the hard-fighting
and finally victorious Army of the Potomac. During his three years of service
Mr. Murdoch participated in the many famous battles of that army, missing
only Gettysburg, when he was away on detached service. He had many nar-
row escapes, but was never wounded, although the privation and exposure
which he endured were ultimately the cause of his death. May 11, 1864, he
was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal, and returned to his for-
mer occupation, in which he was engaged during the remainder of his life.
He was a Republican and a member of the Shady Side Presbyterian church.
Alexander A. Murdoch married, November 12, 1871, Lydia, daughter of
Samuel McMasters, an old-time resident and hatter of Pittsburg, and one of
the first to build in Birmingham, now the prosperous South Side. Mr. and
Mrs. Murdoch were the parents of the following children : Lydia, wife of
Robert Jones, of Pittsburg, children, Robert Jamison and Alexander Murdoch ;
Jane Robb, wife of A. C. Dickey, of Pittsburg; and Alexander, of whom later.
Alexander A. Murdoch, the father, died February 9, 1893.
Alexander Murdoch, son of Alexander A. and Lydia (McMasters) Mur-
doch, received his education in the Pittsburg schools, and in 1896 entered the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 33
service of the Bank of Pittsburgh, beginning as messenger boy, and during
the ensuing five years gaining several promotions. In 1901 he was appointed
teller of the Pittsburgh Bank for Savings, and since 1906 has filled his present
position, that of assistant secretary and treasurer of that institution. He has
always been greatly interested in the American Institute of Bank Clerks, which
he has served as vice-chairman. He is an active member of the Shady Side-
Presbyterian church, and for several years has been assistant superintendent of
the Sunday-school. Mr. Murdoch's home is with his widowed mother.
HON. JAMES FRANCIS BURKE, representative in congress and the
well-known attorney-at-Iaw, was born October 24, 1867, at Petroleum Center,
\'enango county, Pennsylvania, of American parentage. He is the son of
Richard J. and Anna (Arnold) Burke. He obtained his primary education at
the public schools and also had the benefit of excellent private tutors, and chose
law for a profession. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1892,
and has been in the practice of law at Pittsburg since 1893. His father died
in 1875, leaving a widow and three sons: James Francis (subject), John Jay
and Edward Clinton Burke. When but thirteen years of age young Burke
was sent to Pittsburg, and there found employment in a dry goods store, but
this seemed not to be his permanent business, as his tastes ran in different direc-
tions than that of a merchant, so he soon entered the law office of William
Scott, general counsel for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Pittsburg.
Here he also completed his high school course within the next four years,
the meantime studying shorthand under private tutors, with the result that at
the age of eighteen he had become one of the most expert stenographers in the
United States and received an appointment as official stenographer of the
United States court. He was elected secretary of various legislative commis-
sions in Pennsylvania as well as official stenographer of the National Republi-
can convention at Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1892. During all this time he
carried on his law studies with much vigor and earnestness under Lieutenant
Governor Walter Lyon of Pennsylvania. While attending the University of
Michigan he founded the American Republican League and became its first
president, establishing a branch in every leading university in the L'nited
States. While in this position he was elected secretary of the Republican Na-
tional Committee, but resigned the office to give his exclusive attention to Re-
publican work in colleges. During the campaign of 1892 he was the youngest
speaker sent out by the national committee, addressing large audiences in fif-
teen states. At its close he declined a consular appointment tendered by Presi-
dent Harrison, but in December, 1893, he began the practice of law in Pitts-
burg, since which time he has won many laurels by his surpassing success in
a number of famous murder trials. Not alone in his own political party — Re-
publican— is he acknowledged as a strong, eloquent speaker, but even by the
other parties in the country, through their newspaper organs, has he been
highly complimented for his magnetic qualities in delivering his ma.iv forceful
speeches in Tremont Temple, Boston ; the Academy of Music, Philadelphia,
and the Auditorium, Chicago. Besides being what is termed a "born politi-
cian," he knows no such term as "fail" in whatever else he turns his attention
to. He possesses much ability as a poet and delights in literary works.
He was elected from the Thirty-first congressional district of Pennsylvania
iii— 3
34 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
to a seat in the house of representatives in congress for the years 1905 and
1907, where his abiHty was at once recognized.
Mr. Burke is of the Roman Catholic religious faith and is an honored
member of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, board of trade, Duquesne,
Pittsburgh Coaching, Pittsburgh Automobile, Traffic, Americus, Tariff and
Colonial Clubs. His home is in the East End, Pittsburg, with offices in the
Berger building, being of the law firm of Lyon, Hunter & Burke.
He was united in marriage April 15, 1895, at Detroit, Michigan, to Jo-
sephine B. Scott, daughter of Mrs. N. A. Scott, of Detroit, the widow of the
late Captain J. B. Scott, a wealthy steamship director of the Great Lakes.
WEST FAMILY. Among the old and honorable families of Penn-
sylvania, representatives of which have attained prominence in various walks
of life, may be mentioned the family of which this article treats.
Edward West, the first representative of whom we have any authentic
record, came to Pennsylvania from Virginia at an early date, settling in Wash-
ington county. He married, and among the children born to him was a son
named Joseph.
Joseph West, son of Edward West, was a wood turner by trade, which
line of work he followed throughout the active years of his life. He was prom-
inent in the politics of his day. He married, first, Mary (Lowrey) Hay, a
widow, daughter of Colonel Alexander Lowrey, a sketch of whom is included
in this. She was the mother of two sons by her first husband — Lowrey and
John Hay — who went west and purchased a large stock farm, which they sub-
sequently laid out in lots and which became the town of Shawneetown, Illinois,
at which place Lowrey Hay was killed. Joseph and Mary (Lowrey) (Hay)
West were the parents of four children, namely : Alexander Lowrey, moved
to Illinois, married, and was the father of several children. Edward, also re-
moved to Illinois. • Joseph, see forward. Matthew Hay, see for-ward. Joseph
West married, second, Katherine Whittaker, who bore him children : Aaron,
Samuel, James, Charles, William, Frank, Katherine, married David Sheppler ;
Nancy, married Cooper Dryden.
Joseph West, third son of Joseph and Mary (Lowrey) (Hay) West, was
born in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He married Sarah
Whittaker, born in the same township, and by this union were born the follow-
ing children : Martha, Mary A., Aaron, Lowrey H., see forward ; Joseph,
Sarah, Margaret, Matthew, Alexander, Edward. Lowrey H. and three broth-
ers inherited the old homestead, which they farmed until 1870, at which time
the place was purchased by the Homestead Improvement Company.
Matthew Hay West, fourth son of Joseph and Mary (Lowrey) (Hay)
West, was born in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February
23, 1799. He was educated in public schools, reared on a farm, and his first
work was farming, after which he conducted flour mills for several years for
Daniel Risher at Six Mile Ferry. In 1840 he associated himself with Foster
Willock in Pittsburg, the partnership continuing for about three years. He
then moved to Baldwin township, becoming owner of a farm, the patent of
which was taken out by John Baptist Christopher Lucas, of St. Louis, where
the Lucas family became very prominent. He was a man of more than ordi-
narv abilities, and his counsel was sought by the neighbors in the settling of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 35
estates and other important matters. He served in the capacity of school direct-
or, and treasurer and director of the Old Plank Road. He was a Presbyterian
in religion and a staunch supporter of Republican principles.
Matthew Hay West married, first, about 1821, Elizabeth Hofifer, who bore
him children: i. Jacob H., a graduate of Jetiferson College, Canonsburg, Penn-
sylvania, where he was a classmate of ex-Judge Kirkpatrick. He died unmar-
ried at the age of twenty-seven years ; he was buried in Lebanon Cemetery,
Pennsylvania, where five generations of the family are buried. 2. Mary, mar-
ried Samuel McClure, of Pittsburg, four children : William, of New York
city; Matthew Hay West, died in 1907, late of Sioux City, Iowa; Robert D.,
died in 1906, late of Mt. Morris, Illinois ; Samuel, of Homestead, Pennsylvania.
Matthew Hay West married, second, IMary Glass, born in 1813, and died in
1871, a daughter of Johnston and Agnes (Thornberry) Glass, the former of
whom was a son of Johnston Glass, Sr., who died in 1803 and was buried in
Lebanon Cemetery, and the latter at native of county Tyrone, Ireland. John-
ston and Agnes (Thornberry) Glass were the parents of eight children : Samuel,
Robert, John, Johnston, Eliza, Mary, wife of Matthew Hay West ; Margaret
and Nancy. All these children are now (1907) deceased with the exception
of Nancy, who resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in her ninetieth year, the
only living representative of the Glass family, who were among the early pio-
neers of Baldwin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Thirteen chil-
dren were born to Matthew Hay and Mary (Glass) West, as follows: i.
Eliza — Mr^s. Eliza Irwin — of Emsworth, Pennsylvania. 2. Agnes — Mrs. Agnes
Neel — late of Mifflin township, died in 1903. 3. Samuel G., married I\Iary
Speelman, who bore him several children. 4. Elizabeth — Mrs. John Noble —
now of Oklahoma; she is the mother of several children. 5. Joseph, died aged
five years. 6. Johnston G., deceased ; he was ex-coroner of Allegheny county,
served as a member of Company Eleven, Sixty-second Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteers ; he married Mary Harlan Vickroy, of Johnston, and had children :
Vickroy, Ethel, Kenneth and Agnes. 7. Matthew Hay, Jr., of whom later. 8.
Sarah, died March 30, 1902, buried in Homestead Cemetery. 9. Anna Mar-
garet, died in 1870, aged twenty years, buried in Lebanon Cemetery.
10. Edward E., born November 18, 1852, of Mifflin township, Pennsylvania.
11. Elva L.. married Charles Dudgeon. 12. IMary Lowrey, died aged three
years, buried in Lebanon Cemetery. 13. Robert G., born in 1856, died in 1902,
aged thirty-six years, buried in Homestead Cemetery. Matthew Hay West,
father of these children, died in 1872, and his remain were interred in Lebanon
Cemetery.
Lowrey H. West, son of Joseph and Sarah (Whittaker) West, was born
on the old family homestead, which tract of land is now included within the
limits of the borough of Homestead, February 19, 1826. For many years he
has been interested in real estate business at Homestead, Pennsylvania, in
which he has been successful. He has also had property interests in portions
of the western states. For many years he has been counted among the most
substantial citizens of Homestead, exerting his influence always on the side of
right and justice. Both he and his wife have long been members of the Pres-
byterian church, in which he has served as an honored elder for a number of
years.
Lowrey H. West married, October 30, 1851, Eliza J. Snyder, born in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Wilson) Snyder. Jacob
36 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Snyder, who was well educated and a great reader, was born in Switzerland,
accompanied his parents to America in August, 1807, they purchasing a farm
in Mifflin township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder
were members of the Presbyterian church. Seven children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. West, namely: i. North, who ranks high as a business man of Pitts-
burg, a member of the firm of H. West & Company, paper manufacturers; he
married Martha Walker June i, 1876; one child, Marguerite Allison West.
2. Lowrey H., Jr., married Anna Ballard, of Lake City, Minnesota, and they
settled in San Buenaventura, California, where he engaged in the fruit grow-
ing business. 3. Joseph Aaron, well known as an extensive brick manufacturer
and realty dealer of Homestead, Pennsylvania ; he married Ada B. Hargrave,
of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 4. Joseph S., born January
24, 1858, married Fannie Evans, of Ohio. 5. Laura, married the Rev. William
Evans, of Grand Junction, Iowa. 6. Ida B., died in infancy. 7. Martha E.
Dr. Matthew Hay West, Jr., son of Matthew Hay and Mary (Glass)
West, was born in Baldwin township, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1845. He
there spent his early days, and his education was acquired in the public schools
of the district. Later he took up the study of medicine at Hospital College,
Louisville, Kentucky, and subsequently graduated from the medical depart-
ment of the Northwestern University of Chicago in 1881. He began the active
practice of his profession in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, remaining two
years. He then assumed charge of the Allegheny City Home and Insane Asy-
lum, and continued his connection therewith for a period of five years. He
then engaged in active practice at Homestead, and at the expiration of eight
years retired from the same, and from that time had devoted his time and at-
tention to personal business, being interested in a variety of enterprises. For
the past twelve years he served as vice-president of the National Bank of
Homestead, and was one of the incorporators of the Homestead and Mifflin
Street Railway Company, serving as president of same for about three years.
In 1907 he was one of the largest owners in the Homestead Park Land Com-
pany, and a director in the same, and about the year 1903 purchased the Law
farm, and was also the owner of other extensive tracts of land in Homestead.
He was prominent in the affairs of the community in which he resided, and
was frequently called upon in the settling of estates.
Dr. West was a member of the Presbyterian church, a member of the
session, and served in the capacity of trustee for several years. He adhered to
the principles of Republicanism. He served as school director, and frequently
had been chosen as delegate to political conventions. He was a member of
the Masonic fraternity, many years ago having attained the thirty-second de-
gree. He was a member for many years of Ionic Lodge, Allegheny City, was
a charter member of Homestead Blue Lodge, in which he had passed all the
chairs, and was also amember of the chapter, commandery and consistory, all
of Homestead. Mr. West died at Homestead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
November 6, 1907, and was buried at South Side Cemetery, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania.
Colonel Alexander Lowrey, above mentioned, was born in the north of
Ireland in December, 1725, a son of Lazarus Lowrey. His parents, with sev-
eral other children, came to America in 1729, and settled in Donegal township,
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. His father became an Indian trader, which
occupation Alexander Lowrey engaged in about the year 1748, in partnership
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 37
with Joseph Simon, of the town of Lancaster, the fur trade with the Indians
being at that period quite hicrative. This connection continued forty years,
and was finally closed and settled without a word of difference between them,
and with many large gains, though there were many and severe losses from
Indian depradations on their trains and trading posts. Colonel Lowrey estab-
lished several trading posts in western Pennsylvania, one of which was at Low-
rey's Run, near Emsworth, Pennsylvania. He was also engaged in freighting
goods from east of the mountains, among the commodities being salt, a very
necessary article to the settlers in the region, which at that time was little more
than a wilderness.
Colonel Lowrey from the first was outspoken and ardent for separation
from the mother country. In July, 1744, he was placed on the committee of
correspondence for Lancaster, and was a member of the Provincial Conference
held at Philadelphia July 15, of that convened in Carpenters' Hall June 18,
1776, and of the convention held the following July. He was chosen a member
of the assembly in 1775, and with the exception of two or three years serveiJ
as a member of that body almost continuously until 1789. In May, 1777, he
was appointed one of the committee to procure blankets for the army. In 1776
he commanded the Third Battalion of Lancaster County Associators, and was
in active service in the Jerseys during that year. As senior colonel he com-
manded the Lancaster county militia at the battle of Brandywine. At the close
of the Revolution .Colonel Lowrey retired to his fine fami adjoining Alarietta,
Pennsylvania. Under the constitution of 1789-90 he was commissioned by
Governor ^Mifflin a justice of the peace, and held the office until his death, Janu-
ary 31, 1805. His remains were interred in Donegal churchyard. Colonel
Lowrey was a remarkable man in many respects, and his life was an eventful
one, whether considered in his long career in the Indian trade, a patriot of the
Revolution, or the many years in which he gave his time and means to the
service of his country. He was greatly beloved by his neighbors, and during
his long life shared with his associate. Colonel Galbraith, the confidence and
leadership accorded to both in public, church and local affairs.
Colonel Lowrey married, first, September 26, 1752, Mary Waters, born
in 1732, and died in 1767, and their children were: i. Alexander, born April
21, 1756, settled near Frankstown, Pennsylvania. 2. Elizabeth, born October
31, 1757, married Daniel Elliott, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and
moved to St. Clair township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he died
in 1794; his wife died several years previous. They had issue: John, West,
Mary and William Elliott. 3. ]\Iary, born May 21, 1761, married, first, John
Hay, who was drowned in the Monongahela river at Nine Mile Run, leaving
two sons — John and Lowrey Hay — who on arriving at age removed to the
state of Illinois, on the Wabash river. One of these sons was present when
Abraham Lincoln was nominated in Chicago, Illinois, and carried a fence rail
down the aisle. She married, second, Joseph West, aforementioned. 4. Laza-
rus, born January 27, 1764, married a Miss Halliday, daughter of Captain John
Halliday ; with his brother Alexander he settled in what is now Blair county,
Pennsylvania. 5. Margaret, born in September, 1765, died March 24, 1818;
she married, in August, 1784, George Plumer, born December 5, 1762, at Ft.
Pitt, and died June 8, 1843, near West Newton, Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania. He served in the legislature from 1812 to 1818, and represented the
Westmoreland district in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth United
38 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
States congresses. Their children were : Jonathan, who died unmarried ; Al-
exander, who married Susan Robinson ; John Campbell, Lazarus Lowrey,
Mary, Nancy, Sarah, William, Elizabeth and Rebecca Plumer. Colonel Low-
rey married, second, 1774, Ann (West) Alricks, widow of Hermanus Alricks,
and had issue: i. Fanny, born February i, 1775, married Samuel Evans, of
Chester county, Pennsylvania, born 1758, died April 21, 1805, at Colonel Low-
rey's homestead in Donegal township ; he was a son of Evan and Margaret
(Nevin) Evans; he served in the legislature, and also as associate judge in
Chester county. Their children were : Alexander, Evans Reese^ Ann, Mar-
garet, Jane H. and Elizabeth Evans. Colonel Lowrey married, third, Mrs.
Sarah Cochran, of York Springs, Pennsylvania, in 1793.
EDWARD L. STRATTON, a well-known and successful railroad con-
tractor residing in Greater Pittsburg, was born in Thompsonville, Sullivan
county. New York, May 8, 1852. His father was born in New York state in
1817, and learned the millwright's trade and followed that and was a contractor
in such work. He died in 1859. He married Miss Emma L. Bowers, born in
1826. They were the parents of the following children: Charles D., born in
1841, now lives in New York city. James N., born in 1844, died in 1901. He
was postmaster at Station "B" of Toledo, Ohio. Alice L., who married a Mr.
Kirkpatrick, was born in 1849. Edward L., the subject. Mary Hammond,
born in 1855, died in 1881. Ada H., born in 1857, married a Mr. Thorpe, and
they live in Middletown, New York.
Edward L. Stratton was educated at the public schools of Sullivan county,
New York, his native county, after which he took up the work of a railroad
constructor and contractor, which he has followed ever since. In 1882 he
came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, with Messrs. Jones, Drake & Company, which
later became the Drake-Stratton Company. In 1890 Mr. Stratton left that
company and formed the contracting firm of Stratton & Foley, with which he
remained connected for two years and then sold, the firm then being known
as Jutty & Foley. In 1893 he organized the firm of Stratton & Company, which
relation was continued two years, and then Mr. Stratton formed the present
company with which he is connected.
He is an advanced Mason, belonging to Monongahela Valley Lodge No.
461, of which he is a past master. He also belongs to Duquesne Chapter
No. 162 of Pittsburg, Commandery of Knights Templar No. 48, and to the
Consistory of Pennsylvania. Temple of Mystic Shriners. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 407 of Cold Center, Pennsylvania. He
has held the office of school director since 1904, and in 1906 was elected presi-
dent of the board.
He married Miss Fanny, daughter of George W. Frantz, of Cold Center,
Pennsylvania. Her father was a past master of Cold Center Lodge of the Ma-
sonic order at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are the parents
of the following children: William, born August 11, 1886, and died December
24, 1887; Thurman F., born October 21, 1888; Edith H., born January 9, 1891.
DOCTOR CHARLES EDWARD, LINDEMAN was born in Kittanning,
Pennsylvania, September 28, 1869, a son of John and Margaret Lindeman.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 39
The father was born in Germany in 1831, and after coming to America en-
gaged in business in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, at the borough of Kit-
tanning, where he carried a stock of groceries and became an influential citi-
zen of the place. He was a member of the select council and was elected as
overseer of the poor for a number of years. His wife was a native of Ger-
many, and they had the following children: i. George. 2. Dr. Adam. 3.
Margaret. 4. John. 5. William. 6. Frederick. 7. Mary.
Dr. Charles E. Lindeman was educated in the public schools of his native
county and entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania,
from which he graduated in 1899. In 1900 he came to this county and settled
as a physician and surgeon at Homewood, within Greater Pittsburg, where he
is still practicing his profession.
He married Miss Louise, daughter of Philip Bender, of Meadeville, Penn-
sylvania. Dr. Lindeman is a member of the Homewood Medical Society, the
Allegheny County Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State ^Medical Asso-
ciation, the American ]\Iedical Association, the Pittsburg College of Physicians,
and of Homewood Lodge, F. «i A. ]\L ; Wilkinsburg Chapter, Royal Arch Ma-
sons ; Pittsburg Consistory ; Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ; and Meadeville
Lodge, B. P. b. E.
CLYDE O. ANDERSON, M.D., and JAMES McALLISTER ANDER-
SON, ALD., both well-known physicians and surgeons of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, the former with offices at No. 7041 Frankstown avenue in that city, the
latter having his office at No. 1112 Swissvale avenue, Wilkinsburg, are of the
younger generation of medical practitioners who have, nevertheless, gained an
enviable reputation in their profession. They are descendants of a family which
has been domiciled in the state of Pennsylvania for some generations, and
which is of Scotch-Irish origin. They have been closely identified with a
variety of interests of the state for many years.
(I) William Anderson, great-grandfather of the above-mentioned, was
of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in Ireland. He emigrated to this coun-
try during the latter part of the eighteenth century and settled in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, where he acquired landed property. He married Nancy
Carlin, and they were the parents of children : John, see forward ; Nancy, un-
married; Robert, George and Joseph, unmarried; Rebecca, married Peter
Rinks.
(II) John Anderson, eldest child of William (i) and Nancy (Carlin)
Anderson, was born on the family homestead in Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, about 1802. He became a merchant and conducted a general store in
Merwin, in the same county, for many years. His death occurred in 1873.
He married Rachel Hill, daughter of Jacob Hill, the former one of the pioneer
settlers of'W'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He was engaged near Del-
mont in the manufacture of gimpowder, which he made from the charcoal of
willow twigs, and was the first to manufacture powder in the western part of
Pennsylvania. He also operated a distillery, and attained prominence and
wealth. John and Rachel (Hill) Anderson had children: i. Jacob H., see
forward. 2. Nancy, who married Thomas Humes and had children : John,
Elizabeth, ^Meredith, Clyde and Harry. 3. Robert, married Matilda Ludwig;
had children : Effie, Victor, Frank, Ollie, Earl and Oran. 4. Joseph, married
40 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Rachel Remaley : had children : Elizabeth, Margaret, Nancy, Sadie and Claude.
5. John, removed to Nebraska, where he now owns an extensive ranch. He
married Sadie Hill and raised a numerous family. 6. George, married Mary
Hoffman, of Delmont, and has a large family.
(HI) Jacob H. Anderson, eldest child of John (2) and Rachel (Hill)
Anderson, was born at Murrysville, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1838. During
his young manhood he taught in the public schools for some time, later enter-
ing the oil business and becoming one of the first prospectors and drillers in
that section of the state. He was an associate of the famous "Coal Oil Johnny."
He continued in that field of industry very successfully for a period of five
years, during that time amassing what was considered at that time a very
comfortable fortune. During the progress of the Civil war he enlisted in
1863 in Company A, Westmoreland Reserves, Captain Murray commanding,
and served faithfully until ill health compelled him to accept an honorable dis-
charge. Upon his return from the oil regions he located in Westmoreland
county, where, in 1866, he purchased a farm of about one hundred acres, which
he cultivated until shortly before his death, April 5, 1900, when he removed to
East End, Pittsburg. He married, December 6, 1866, Elizabeth McAllister,
born in 1843 on the Island of Isia, daughter of John and Isabel (McMillan)
McAllister. John McAllister was a native of Isla, which is one of the Heb-
rides, and was a coppersmith by trade. He was apprenticed to this occupation
to save him from impressment into the British navy, whose press gangs were
at that time- — during the war of 1812 — impressing many of the inhabitants
of the coast towns and villages. The law protected such as had been inden-
tured, hence his apprenticeship. He came to America in 1850 and settled at
Sardis, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm of
one hundred and fifty acres, which is still in the possession of the family. He
attained the age of seventy-five years, and had the following named children :
Alexander, deceased ; Angus, married Julia Harvey ; Margaret, married David
Bryan; Duncan, born 1838, was a soldier during the Civil war, enlisting in
Companv A, One Hundred and First Regiment, was wounded at Eair Oaks
and still carries the bullet in his body. He is now a banker at Parnassus, West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth, married Jacob H. Anderson ;
Margery, unmarried ; John, married Mollie Welty ; James, deceased, married
Amanda Ludwig; Annie, died in childhood. Jacob H. and Elizabeth (McAllis-
ter) Anderson had children: I. Eila, born December 2, 1867, married E. M.
Wilson. 2. Isabel, born in 1868, died in 1869. 3. Clyde O., see forward. 4.
James McAllister, see forward. 5. Margery, born in March, 1876, married
Thomas E. Mallisee. 6. Daisy, born in August, 1879, married Rev. W. H.
Hanna. 7. David Rex, born in August, 1881, married Mamie Speer.
(IV) Clyde O. Anderson, M. D., third child of Jacob H. and Elizabeth
(McAllister) Anderson, was born in Sardis, Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania, October 17, 1870. He obtained his early education in the public schools
and academy, and then entered the medical department of the Western Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with honor in 1895. He
is now filling a responsible position on the surgical staff' of the West Penn-
sylvania Hospital, and his work is highly esteemed by his brother practitioners
as well as by a large class of patients.
He married, December 29, 1897, Grace Camp, daughter of Dabiel and
Augusta (Nichols) Camp, of Newton, Connecticut, and they have children:
w^-^-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 41
Donald C, born September 20, 1899; Clyde McAllister, born July 24, 1902,
died August 4, 1904, and Elizabeth Grace, born August 3, 1907.
(IV) James ^IcAllister Anderson, M. D., second son and fourth child of-
Jacob H. (Ill) and Elizabeth (McAllister) Anderson, was born at Sardis,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1873. His early years were
spent on the home farm, and his education was acquired in the public schools
in the Slippery Rock State Normal School, the Ohio Normal University, and
he then entered the medical department of the Western University of Penn-
sylvania, from which he was graduated in the class of 1902. He took up the
private practice of his chosen profession in the fall of 1902, locating at
Wilkinsburg, and is enjoying a lucrative and constantly increasing practice.
He married, August 20, 1903, Edna Florence Alexander, daughter of
John R. and Annie (Stuart) Alexander, and they have one child, John Murray,
born January 2, 1906.
JA^IES M. SWANK, a distinguished representative of Westmoreland
county, is widely known not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the country
for the many and valued services he has rendered in the industrial, agricul-
tural and newspaper worlds. Particularly in the first named of these three
has he become a recognized authority. His statistics and statements of facts
are accepted the world over as being entirely reliable. He is acknowledged
as a trustworthy statistician, a wise counsellor, an economist, a historian and
a statesman. He has been a valuable contributor to the literarv field, and while
he has dealt mostly with the facts of one line of production, he has not entirely
neglected others.
He is a descendant of old and honored families of Pennsylvania, four
generations of his ancestors on both sides of the family having been identified
with the state. His father, George W. Swank, was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, the youngest son of John Swank, a pioneer
settler in Ligonier valley, who had migrated thence from Franklin countv, in
the same state. The first of this family of whom anything definite is known
was an early settler in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. The family is of
German origin, and were Lutherans in religion. Mr. Swank's maternal great-
grandfather, John Moore, was a member of the Pennsylvania constitutional
convention of 1776, later was the first president judge of Westmoreland
county, and still later was a member of the state senate. He had two sons,
both of whom were surveyors, one being the father of Mrs. George W.
Swank, the mother of James M. Swank.
James M. Swank was born in Loyalhanna township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1832. He removed with his parents to Johns-
town in 1838, and there received a good common school and academic educa-
tion. His first business occupation was as clerk in the store of his father,
and while thus employed, in 1852, he was invited to take charge of the local
Whig newspaper. This invitation he accepted, and with the exception of brief
intervals, was its editor and publisher until 1870. One year after the com-
mencement of his labors in this field the name of the paper was changed to
the Cambria Tribune, and later to the Johnstown Tribune, under which name
it is still published. Mr. Swank severed his connection with this paper in
1870, when he went to Washington City and became a clerk of the committee
42 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
on manufacturers of the house of representatives. Later he was chief clerk
of the department of agricuUure. He resigned the latter position in Decem-
ber, 1872, in order to take charge of the work of the American Iron and Steel
Association in Philadelphia. As secretary and general manager of this
Organization he has devoted thirty-three years of the best years of his life to
its interests, and is still actively identified with it. He was especially qualified
for the work he has thus undertaken. Having spent the greater part of his life
up to this period in the western part of Pennsylvania, he was practically
acquainted with the growth and development of the iron industry in that
important field. He had inherited a liking for public afifairs, and was person-
ally familiar with the eftects of legislation upon the industries of the country,
particularly the iron industry ; the steel industry was in its very earliest infancy.
The years he had spent in Washington had given him a practical insight into
the methods of congressional legislation, and he had made many valuable
friends among the public men of the day.
The American Iron and Steel Association was organized in 1864, and
was intended to be a bureau of general information for the American iron
trade, and to be a central agency for the interests most concerned. Mr.
Swank entered into the work of the association with zeal and enthusiasm.
He early decided that the statistical reports should appear annually and in'
uniform style, and that a directory ought to be compiled and published at
regular intervals. These improvements were at once introduced ; the annual
report appears in the spring of the year, and the directory regularly every two
years. The Weekly Bulletin of the association was enlarged, and its influence
was materially increased. Mr. Swank has been the editor of all the publica-
tions mentioned. Under his management the information promulgated by the
association became an authority. The friends of protection in congress relied
upon it whenever an economic legislation was under consideration. He also
published in the annual report for 1876 an accurate history of the industrial
policies of Great Britain and the United States, and in 1877 he issued Hold the
Fort, a series of tariff tracts which have been gratuitously and systematically
distributed by the association. For the last twenty-five years Mr. Swank has
been active in opposing every bill that has been presented in congress which
has had for its object the substitution for protective duties of a tarilT for
revenue only. Special arguments against these measures were prepared and
manufacturers were aroused to the dangers which confronted them.
The administration of Mr. Swank has been of so excellent a character
that the statistics issued by the American Iron and Steel Association have
become recognized authorities in all countries. He has brought even higher
honor to the association in the reputation he has established of its absolute
leadership, in teaching the value of accurate and rapidly collected statistics.
The correspondence of the association is enormous, and in general may be
said to be controlled by Mr. Swank. The immense amount of work that all
this entailed has never seemed to overburden him, for it was with him a labor
which engaged his heart as well as his intellect.
Mr. Swank published in book form in 1878 an Introduction to a History
of Iron Making and Coal Mining in Pennsylvania. He was selected by Gen-
eral Francis A. Walker, director of the United States Census Bureau, to
collect the statistics of iron and steel for the census year 1880, and he accom-
plished his final report on these in 1881, with a historical sketch of the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 43
manufacture of iron and steel in all countries, and particularly in each state
and territory which had been engaged in their production, the colonial and
other pioneer iron masters receiving special attention. The historical part
was afterward published in book form. A second edition, enlarged, appeared
in 1891. both editions being entitled Iron in All Ages. He has made many
other contributions of a historical character. At the close of twenty-five years
of continuous service as the executive head of the association, he published a
souvenir volume of two hundred and twenty-eight pages, containing selections
from his tariff and historical writings, and which was entitled Notes and Com-
ments on Industrial, Economic, Political and Historical Subjects. Mr. Swank
still gives his personal attention to all the details of the office of the American
Iron and Steel Association.
While chief clerk of the department of agriculture he prepared a history
of that department. He has now (1906) in preparation a "History of West-
ern Pennsylvania, With Special Reference to Its Industrial Development."
Mr. Swank has ever been a broad-minded protectionist, favoring reduction of
tariff as well as increase as the exigencies of the times demanded. His
scientific mastery of the subject has enabled him to judge wisely, and his
judgment has never been based upon a narrow range of facts. It is to be
hoped that he may long be spared to continue his useful work, and that his
legacy of learning and philosophy may never be lost from our laws and public
policy.
DILWORTH FAMILY. Of English origin, the Dilworth family, rep-
resented in Pittsburg, has descended from the emigrant, James Dilworth, of
whom the "Book of Arrivals" as now on file among the records of Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, says : "James Dilworth, of Thornley, in Lancashire,
husbandman, came in the ship "Lamb," of Liverpoole, the master, John
Tench, arrived in this river in the 8th month, 1632, had a son named William."
(I) James Dilworth, the English emigrant, came to America in 1682,
and in 1692 settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased one
thousand acres of land. He died there in 1699. He married Ann Wain,
sister of Stephen Wain, a prominent Quaker, and their children were : William,
born in England ; Richard, Jane, Hannah, Jannette, Rebecca and James.
(II) William Dilworth, eldest child of James and Ann (Wain) Dilworth,
had a son named Anthony Dilworth.
(HI) Anthony Dilworth, son of William Dilworth, married, and among
his children were sons named Samuel and Benjamin.
(IV) Samuel Dilworth, son of Anthony Dilworth, was a farmer in Ross
township, now Bellevue, Pennsylvania. He married in 1790, Elizabeth White,
who died in 1841 ; their seven children were : William, Sarah, Amanda, Mar-
garet, Jane, Albert and Benjamin, who married Matilda Holmes June 18, 1836.
(V) William Dilworth, Sr., son of Samuel and Elizabeth (White) Dil-
worth, was born in Dilworthtown, Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 20,
1791, and in 1795, when aged four years, came with his father and mother
and two sisters over the mountains, their conveyance being a team of oxen ;
they also had with them a bull calf and a salt-pan. The father, Samuel Dil-
worth, was offered all of East Liberty Valley for the bull-calf and salt-pan,
but as the soil was moist he did not like it, and settled Dilworthville, Alle-
gheny county, west of Pittsburg — now Bellevue, Pennsylvania. In 1795
44 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Samuel Dilworth built a log house which is partly standing at this date ( 1907)
and is located on Miller street, Bellevue. At that time Pittsburg was but a
small hamlet with two stores.
In 1812 William Dilworth, Sr., was interested for the defense of the
country against the British and Indians, and marched to Sandusky under the
command of General Harrison, with the "Pittsburg Blues." For three score
years he was a prominent factor in the business and religious circles of Pitts-
burg. He mingled with two generations of men active in the pioneer operations
of his times. He was a devout Christian and noted for his charity. He
became a master builder, and was awarded the contract to construct numerous
bridges in Allegheny county, including the one over the Monongahela river,
the firm being Colhart & Dilworth. In 1834 they built the court house in
Pittsburg. He was president of the board of managers of the House of Refuge
up to the January before his death. In 1834 he was a member of the state
legislature, and was ever an active citizen. He had seldom if ever seen an ill
day until his death, supposedly, from heart failure. He and his good wife had
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a few years prior to his death.
He made many friends, and was accustomed to come to the city from his
homestead during the latter years of his life, almost daily, and was ever
greeted by old and young, both of whom in him found a close friend. He
would call on his sons and other prominent business men, and was never
happier than when recounting some of his early-day experiences in and near
Pittsburg. He never sought public office, neither did he shrink from holding
such positions as were needful, but which there was no salary attached to.
He married Elizabeth Scott, born May 6, 1797, at Pennysville, Pennsylvania,
and he died in February, 1871. She was the daughter of Hon. Samuel and
Sarah (Thompson) Scott. Her father was a farmer of Ross township,
Allegheny county, coming from Delaware after the Revolutionary war,
settling at the head of Girtie's Run, Allegheny county. After two years he
returned to Delaware for his family. He was an only son of Samuel Scott,
who went to the wild land of the south from the head of Elk river, Delaware,
on an exploring expedition, and was never heard from afterwards. Samuel
Scott's grandfather, also named Samuel, was born in Manchester, England,
and was a miller by trade. He married Margaret Walker, of county Tyrone,
Ireland, who came to this country with her father, Amasa Walker, and settled
in Connecticut, near Woodstock. After the marriage of William Dilworth,
Sr., he went to housekeeping at Mount Washington, where they ever after-
ward resided. He found need of more school room privileges on Mount
Washington and built a school building on his own land, which provided for
his own and many other children, he bearing the total expense for teacher
and all connected with carrying on the school. His wife died there May 25,
1883. She was a devout Christian and a kind-hearted woman. She was one
of the original members of the First Presbyterian church. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. William Dilworth, Sr., were all born on Boggs avenue. Mount
Washington (Coal Hill), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and were as
follows :
1. William, Jr., born February 23, 1818, died December 25, 1877; married
(first) Mary Mason, and (second) Maria Salisbury.
2. Daniel Scott, born September 12, 1819, died January 8, 1877; married,
December 15, 1841, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Mary Olivia Parry. /
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 45
3. Dr. Samuel Dilworth, born July 23, 1821, at the old homestead, Mount
Washington. He was educated in Washington and Jefferson College, and at
the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. After graduating he began
practicing in Pittsburg, having his office for many years on the corner of
Cherry and Second avenues. He was for a time engaged in the river supply
business, his place of business being the corner of Cherry and Water streets.
He owned a summer home at what is now (1907) Fifth and Shady avenues.
He married Jane Fulton, a daughter of Andrew Fulton, the glass founder,
and of this union there was one child, Fulton, who died when about twenty
years of age. Dr. Dilworth died August 12, 1862, at the Andrew Fulton
residence on Front street, now known as the Fulton Law Building.
4. Sarah S., born February 5, 1823, died August 25, 1893; married John
C. Bidwell.
5. Eliza, born January 5, 1825, died February 23, 1880; married Moses
DeWitt Loomis, Sr.
6. Joseph, born December 25, 1826, died February 26, 1885 ; married
Louisa Mendenhall Richardson January 15, 1850.
7. Mary Jane, born January 23, 1829, still living; married Dr. Benjamin
Frank Richardson, now deceased.
8. James R., born February 26, 1831, died November 27, 1850.
9. Adaline, born January 19, 1834, died May 19, 1841.
10. Agnes, born March 18, 1836, died May 19, 1841.
11. George W. Dilworth, of the firm of Dilworth Brothers, who for two
score years was one of Pittsburg's most prominent citizens and enterprising
business factors, was born on what was then known as Coal Hill, now Mount
Washington, June 29, 1838. He obtained his education in Pittsburg, but this
did not cease with his school days, for being a great reader his knowledge
kept increasing all through life, and he was especially much interested in his-
tory. His first business venture was when he became a partner of his brother,
John Dilworth, the firm being known as John S. Dilworth & Companv. After
some years he left his brother, and the firm of Dilworth, Harper & Company
was established. In 1871 Mr. Harper died and Joseph Dilworth was admitted
to the firm, when the name was changed to Dilworth Brothers, who were
known far and near as the leading wholesale grocery firm of Pittsburg. Few
men had a wider circle of acquaintances and enjoyed the respect and esteem
of the community to so great an extent as did he. He died suddenly December
4, 1900.
Not alone in business was he prominent. He was never too busy to turn
aside to attend to some call of justice and kindness. He had varied business
interests, being a director of the Citirens' National Bank ; a trustee of the
Dollar Savings Bank ; as well as a director in several other mercantile cor-
porations. In social relations he was one of the oldest members of the
Duquesne Club, and its chairman at the time of his death. He held many
positions of trust and honor, being a member of the board of directors of the
\\'estern Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind, and of the Homewood cemetery.
He was one of five of the appraisers in the condemnation proceedings for the
L'nited States government against the Monongahela Navigation Company.
Mr. Dilworth married, in November. 1865, Mary Barry, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George Barry, who survived him, as did his three daughters — Mrs. Otis
H. Childs, Florence and Pauline Dilworth.
46 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
12. Francis Albert, born April 6, '1840, died February 23, 1888; married,
September 17, 1868, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Julia D., daughter of Calvin Butler
and Mary (Darst) Williams, both natives of Cincinnati. At the breaking out
of the Civil war he became much interested in the Union cause, and in August,
1862, at his home on Mount Washington, recruited a company which he took
to Harrisburg. It became a part of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel Bayne), as Company H. Mr.
Dilworth was commissioned first lieutenant on August 23, 1862; he was
promoted to captain. At the battle of Fredericksburg he was severely wounded,
at the time believed seriously so, but was taken to Washington City and
thence removed to his own home by his brother George, and finally recovered,
receiving an honorable discharge May 29, 1863. After the war he engaged
in the oil business, and was the first to consider the piping of gas to Pittsburg,
but his ideas were too far in advance of the times, hence history gives the
credit to another. He was engaged in producing and refining oil many years.
Later he became a broker in the same community, with offices at Pittsburg
and Philadelphia, and was thus engaged at the date of his death. Politically
he was a supporter of the Republican party. He belonged to the Masonic
fraternity, and was a member of the Shadyside Presbyterian church. To his
life his family can point with pride as the embodiment of all that was noble,
generous and good. He married Julia D. Williams, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and
they were the parents of the following children: i. Leila A., married Wil-
liam Larimer Jones ; children : i. William L., Jr. 2. Susie Harley. 3. Francis
Albert, Jr. 4. William Butler. 5. Mary Elizabeth, married Richard S.
Suydam ; children : Elizabeth D. and Louise D.
(VL) William Dilworth, Jr., son of William Dilworth, Sr., was born
at Coal Hill (Mount Washington), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February
23, 1818, and died December 25, 1877. He was extensivelv engaged in the
lumbering and oil business. He married (first) Mary Mason, by whom were
born the following children: Adeline, born 1842, died 1885, married A. A.
Gectmon ; Althea Rebecca, married George Thomas Robinson ; Josephine
Alden, married Henry Clay Kessler; Clara, married Thomas Bakewell Kerr;
Sarah Scott, born 1857, married Frederick Dorsey Hager.
(VI) John Scott Dilworth, second son of Colonel William Dilworth, Sr.,
was educated in the private schools of Mount Washington (now in the limits
of Pittsburg), and upon arriving at man's estate clerked for the firm of Dil-
worth & Colter, who were engaged in the contracting business, and during
that time built the Monongahela river bridge and the court house of Allegheny
county, which was erected in 1834. He later built a powder magazine on the
property of his father, at Mount Washington, where he stored powder, he
being agent for the Hazard Powder Company. Having been a large stock-
holder in the various steamboats plying the rivers, he became clerk on one
running between Pittsburg and Cincinnati. In the early portion of the
nineteenth century he established the wholesale grocery house of Williams &
Dilworth, which was located on Wood street. This firm later became Schriver
& Dilworth, and still later John S. Dilworth & Company, he taking into
partnership his sons, Neville B. and William P., and later his son DeWitt.
In 1871 the business was sold and is now carried on by Dilworth Brothers
Company. This enterprise was a success from the outset, and the Dilworth
descendants are now reaping the reward of the efforts of their ancestor.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 47
While engaged in the business just mentioned, he also embarked in the oil
business, becoming owner of oil and coal lands in Ohio. He owned the Mount
Nebo coal mine and Lowellville iron furnace at Lowellville, Ohio, and had
many oil wells in that state, which proved very valuable property. The most
of the winter months he spent in the south, generally in Louisiana, where he
would purchase sugar crops of plantation owners and ship the product to
Pittsburg and New York, both before and after the Civil war. In 1868 he
bought the famous Magnolia Grove plantation in Louisiana, and conducted
it very successfully until 1871, when he sold it. He traveled extensively both
in America and abroad, generally for the benefit of his health and for the
pleasure gained thereby. He was a good conversationalist, and withal an ex-
cellent story teller. He was a director in the Pittsburg Bank of Savings and
the Citizens' National and other banks. As the result of his many business
enterprises he accumulated a goodly fortune.
He married, at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 15, 1841, Mary O. Parry,
bom October 16, 1820, died September 19, 1903. She was born at Rich Hills
plantation. Deer Creek, Ross township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, the
daughter of Henry Parry, who married, July 20, 1797, Sarah Cadwalader,
daughter of General John Cadwalader, a native of Maryland, and who was
born March 3, 1778, and died April 26, 1842, in Pittsburg. Henry Parry
was a native of South Wales, born 1761, and died October 7, 1847, in
Pittsburg. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Scott Dilworth were as follows :
1. Agnes Eliza, born September 17, 1842, died June 28, 1845.
2. William Parry Dilworth, born March 10, 1844, in the city of Alle-
gheny, Pennsylvania, first son of John and Mary Parry Dilworth. His early
schooling was obtained in Allegheny and Pittsburg private and public schools
and the Agricultural State College at Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. At the age of
eighteen years he left school and enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and
Thirty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, on August 9, 1862, for the
term of nine months, with the rank of private, and was mustered out of the
L^nited States service at Belle Plain Landing, Virginia, on March 10, 1863,
with the rank of corporal. He was enrolled a member of Duquesne Post, No.
259, Department of Pennsylvania, Grand Army of the Republic, on January 8,
1889. He died at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1906,' aged sixty-two
years, unmarried.
After being mustered out of the service of his country he engaged in
buying, selling and shipping oil at Oil City, Pennsylvania. After a few years
he sold out his business to Captain J. J. Vandergrift, and entered his father's
wholesale grocery firm (John S. Dilworth & Company), and through a num-
ber of years, by ability and attention, maintained its old-time prestige with
extended influence. In later years he was interested in mining and shipping
Youghiogheny coal near Scott Haven, Pennsylvania, to the east and west, the
corporation bearing his name being largely owned by him. As a friend he
was genial and kind and true to old acquaintances, a good story teller, with a
retentive memory of old times. He manifested most kindly traits of character
in his care and devotion to his widowed mother, and in the advice and guidance
of a large family of six brothers, to whom he w^as guide and mentor through
many years. He was a staunch Presbyterian, a member of all the Masonic
bodies, a life member of the American Republican Club, and a charter
member of the Duquesne Club.
48 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
3. Mary Laura, bom March 2, 1846, died March 14, 1850.
4. Neville Bausman, born November 19, 1848, married, December 28,
1899, Jessie Black, daughter of Dr. Alexander Black.
5. James Reese, born September 26, 1850, died April 4, 1853.
6. DeWitt, born October 27, 1853, married March 6, 1877, Florence Coe,
at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and their issue is Edward C. DeWitt Dilworth.
He received his education in the Pittsburg schools and at the academy in
Philadelphia, after which he assisted his father in the grocery business for
some years and then engaged in the oil business up to 1896, since which time
he has been engaged in contracting and constructing street railways. Politically
he is a Republican. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity.
7. Linford Lardner Dilworth, born in Oakland, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
October 14, 1855, was the fifth son of John S. and Mary (Parry) Dilworth.
He was educated in private and public schools of Pittsburg and Pennsylvania.
Early in life he was employed in his father's wholesale grocery store, Second
avenue, Pittsburg, John S. Dilworth & Company, commission and oil interests.
During the big strike at Homestead Steel Works he was employed there,
holding a trusted position until he was compelled by sickness, being poisoned,
to relinquish his position with the Carnegie Steel Company. He was chief
clerk in the department of public works of the city of Pittsburg for a number
of years, also superintendent of the board of the city of Pittsburg. He was
active in politics, and for a number of years was the president of the Nine-
teenth Ward Republican Association. He was kind and good to all, honest
and courteous in all his dealings. He died December 3, 1906, at 6216 Stanton
avenue, Nineteenth ward, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He was unmarried.
8. Harry Parry Dilworth, born September 11, 1857; married June 20,
1899, Annie Stephenson.
9. John Cadwalader Dilworth, seventh son of John S. and Mary (Parry)
Dilworth, was born in Oakland, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 6, i860. He
was educated in private and public schools in Pittsburg and Philadelphia, and
was employed in his father's wholesale grocery store, oil brokerage and manu-
facturing of oil tanks, and later in the salt business. He married (first) Julia
W. Creighton, at Philadelphia, October 12, 1886. Their son, Creighton Dil-
worth, was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August 28, 1887. John C.
Dilworth married (second) Elizabeth Shryock Gill, at Meadville, Pennsylvania,
January 4, 1899 ; one son, John Gill Dilworth, born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
December 17, 1900. Mr. Dilworth is a member of Calvary Protestant Episcopal
church, a life member of the American Republican Club, a member of all the
Masonic bodies, and a member of Duquesne Club, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
10. George Morgan, born August 18, 1863, married April 3, 1905,
Carrie S. Hays.
(VH) Neville Bausman Dilworth, son of John Scott Dilworth, was
educated in Pittsburg, and when grown to manhood went south with his father
and had charge of the Magnolia sugar plantation, and remained there until
1 87 1, then returned to Pittsburg and became a partner with his father in the
wholesale grocery business, as John S. Dilworth & Company, remaining until
1875, when he went to New York city, and was there connected with the large
merchandising firm of Allen & Evans. Later he went to Montana and there
engaged in contracting, having several government contracts. From there he
went to North Carolina, where he was interested in several enterprises, and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ' 49
was president of the Piedmont-Morganton (North Carolina) Bank. He
returned to Pittsburg in 1900 and became a partner of Sanfuel W. Black in
the real estate business. The firm is known as the S. W. Black Company,
incorporated, of which he is now vice president. He is a member of the Union
Club and the American Club. Fraternally he is a Mason.
(VI) Mary Jane Dilworth, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Scott)
Dilworth, was born January 23, 1829. and is still living. She married, Novem-
ber 20, 1849, Benjamin Franklin Richardson, M. D., born at New Lisbon,
New Jersey, December 19, 1817, and died December 9, 1890. He received his
medical education at Philadelphia Medical College, and soon after graduating
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he practiced for forty years, with the single
intermission of a few years in Pittsburg, after which he returned to Cincinnati
and there died. He was a professor of medicine in Miami Medical College,
and was held in the highest esteem. He had two children : Fannie, born
December 11, 1850, married December i, 1881, Henry B. Lupton, born Decem-
ber 23, 1849, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have three children — (i) Jeannette
Lupton, born August 31, 1882, in Pittsburg, on the old homestead; married
John King Scott, June 2, 1906. (2) Dilworth Richardson Lupton, born
September 15, 1883, at Cincinnati, Ohio. (3) Albert Dilworth Lupton, born
October 18, 1884, died April 16, 1885. The second child born to Dr. Richard-
son and wife was William Dilworth Richardson, born November 6, 1857, died
in Paris, France, June 30, 1902; he married June 20, 1887, Lottie E. Mitchell,
and thev had one child, Dorothy Dilworth Richardson, born March 23, 1888.
(VI) Eliza Dilworth, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Scott) Dil-
worth, was born January 5, 1825, died February 23, 1880. She married Moses
DeWitt Loomis, by whom she had children: i. Hazard Loomis, died aged six
months. 2. Stanley Loomis, married Charlotte Brundred, of Oil City, Penn-
sylvania, daughter of William James and Rachel (Magee) Brundred, of New
Jersey ; they had four children : William Brundred Loomis, married Josephine
Gotell, of Oil City, and to them was born William B., Jr. ; Charlotte Loomis,
married Frank E. Spencer, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and has two children,
— Stanley and Frank E., Jr. ; Lucille Loomis, married Dr. Rafifaele Bastianelli,'
of Rome, Italy, no issue ; DeWitt Loomis married Mildred Goettcl,
and has one child — DeWitt Loomis, Jr. 3. DeWitt Loomis, now de-
ceased, married Annie Wallace, of Augusta, Georgia, and they have two
children — Ann and Elizabeth. 4. Hazard (the second), died aged three year.s.
5. Harry, died aged thirty-three years ; married Henrietta Virginia Vander-
grift, daughter of Captain J. J. Vandergrift, and they have one child — Vir-
ginia, who married Captain Thomas Summerland, now retired from the
United States army, and they are parents of two children. 6. Elizabeth
Dilworth Loomis, married Benjamin F. Brundred, of Oil City, Pennsylvania,
and their seven children are as follows : Elizabeth, married Harold D. Brown,
issue, Elizabeth Dilworth Brown ; Rachel, William James, Ruth, Loomis, Ben-
jamin Ford, Latham Loomis. 7. Latham, son of Moses DeWitt and Eliza
(Dilworth) Loomis, died aged seventeen years.
(VI) Joseph Dilworth, son of William Dilworth (5), was born Decem-
ber 25, 1826, died February 26, 1885, and married Louise Mendenhall
Richardson, January 15, 1850. As a young man he clerked for Schriver &
Dilworth, wholesale grocers, and later, about 1856, engaged in the powder
business with D. W. C. Bidwell, under the firm name of Dilworth & Bidwell,
so A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
representing the powder mills of the Dupont and Hazard companies. Still
later in life he engaged in the iron trade, forming in 1858 the firm of the
Dilworth-Porter Companj', manufacturers of railway supplies, and in 1880
it was changed to Dilworth, Porter & Company (limited), which is the present
title. In 1869 he became a partner in the firm of Dilworth, Harper & Com-
pany, consisting of his brother, George W. Dilworth, Albert Harper and
Joseph Dilworth, doing a grocery business as wholesalers. On the death of
Mr. Harper, in 1871, the firm became Dilworth Brothers, which continued
until 1902, when it was incorporated under the firm name of Dilworth Brothers
Company, as it is now known. He achieved great business success in his life.
He was one of the organizers and stockholders in the Northern Pacific Rail-
road, of which he held a directorship. He was connected with this great
trans-continental line until Henry Villard became its president. For many
years he was a director in the Citizens' National Bank of Pittsburg; was a
trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association ; one of the founders of the
Pennsylvania College for Women, and was an original member of the First
Presbyterian church. Upon his removal from Mount Washington to the
East End he became one of the founders of Shady Side Presbyterian church ,
was very active in church work and one of the trustees in Shady Side church
up to his death. He was president of the National Iron and Steel Publishing
Company, publishers of American Manufacture. He became county commis-
sioner of Allegheny county at the troublesome time of the liquor license
question, and did noble work for the people.
The children of Joseph Dilworth and wife Louise were as follows: i.
Elizabeth, widow of Carter Curtis Beggs, of Pittsburg, whose issue was —
Louise, wife of Henry Sproul, and they have one child, Henry ; Virginia
Crossan, wife of T. Morris Carnegie, of Pittsburg, with issue — T. Morris,
Jr., and Carter Beggs. 2. Lawrence, married Virginia Snyder Crossan,
daughter of John McDonald Crossan ; they have four children : Mary Louise,
wife of R. K. Forsyth, of Pittsburg, with issue of two children — Lawrence
'.Dilworth and Virginia Crossan; John Crossan, Joseph and Dorothy. 3.
• Charles Richardson, married Elizabeth Tiffany, of Springfield, Massachusetts ;
. jj.o issue. 4. Louise Richardson, married Harry Clyde Beggs, and their issue
is Joseph Dilworth, who married Elizabeth Kerbaugh, of Philadelphia, no
issue ; Lawrence Dilworth, unmarried ; Harry Clyde, who died aged sixteen
years, in 1906. 5. Joseph Richardson, who married Annie Wood, of Pitts-
burg, and their issue is : Dewees Wood and Joseph Richardson.
THE McCORMICK FAMILY has been a factor in the development of
Pennsylvania ever since 1788. In that year two brothers, Joseph and
John, left their home in county Tyrone, in the Province of Ulster, Ireland,
,,and settled on the hill above Larimer Station. Joseph was unmarried and died
without issue at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Several years before
leaving home John was married to Sarah Sloan, whose brother, William Sloan,
was a physician of some prominence in Ireland. The family still resides in
■ Cookstown, Ireland, the present representatives being three daughters. Four
children were born to John and Sarah McCormick before leaving Ireland :
William, Andrew, Jane and Joseph. After reaching Westmoreland county six
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 51
other children were born: John, David, Sarah, Samuel, Thomas and
Elizabeth.
This sketch deals almost altogether with John McCormick and his
descendants. He was the first child born after the establishment of the new
home in Westmoreland county, and it was natural that he should remain
throughout his life near the place of his birth. It is possible here to make only
the briefest mention of the others, most of whom moved from Westmoreland
county and located elsewhere.
William, the tirst born, was married to Elizabeth Wilkinson and moved
to Robinson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he died. There
were born to him seven children, whose descendants are still living in Allegheny
county.
Andrew was born April i, 1784, and died April 17, 1845. He married
Anne Campbell in 1809, and moved to Warsaw, Jefferson county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1835. The Scotch-Irish settlement six miles from Warsaw was known
as Beechwood. To them were born eight children. Two of these have been
well known, Samuel B., who was prominent in the educational affairs of the
county, and who lived for many years in Johnstown, but who later removed to
Oakland, California, where, until his death. May i, 1903, he was one of the
prominent men of that great state. The other, James C. McCormick, long a
prominent business man in Pittsburg, is now living in retirement at Sewickley,
having passed his ninetieth birthday. His ninetieth anniversary was celebrated
by the gathering in his delightful home of a large number of relatives on the
evening of March 3, 1905.
Jane died without issue. Joseph married Jane Crosby, lived for a time
on Bush Creek, and in 1834 moved to Logan county, Ohio. He and his de-
scendants have been identified largely with the growth and development of
Bellfontaine, Ohio. Six children were given to them, one or two of whom
later settled in Pittsburg.
David McCormick married Alary Campbell, lived for a time near Larimer,
and later moved to Jefferson county. Pennsylvania. He died at Brookville,
leaving a family of six children, some of whom later moved to Minnesota,
becoming pioneers of that great state.
Sarah died unmarried. Samuel married Margaret Kamerer and lived and
died at Cadiz, Ohio. Eight children were born to them, one of whom, John,
moved to Omaha and became prominent in the banking business and social
life of that city. His son later moved to Wyoming. Another, Adeline, lived
in Henry county, Illinois, and others settled in Cadix, Steubensville, and round
about where their descendants still reside.
Thomas, who married Jane Brice, also moved to Jefferson county, where
he died, and where his descendants still reside.
The youngest child, Elizabeth, married Samuel Osborne, and settled and
remained in the vicinity of the original home of the family near Irwin. Their
children were Josiah, Sarah, Susannah, Jane, John M., Aaron, Albert and
Samuel. Josiah moved to Pittsburg. Sarah married James McIIvaine, of
Verona, Allegheny county, where the family still resides. Susannah died while
still a child. James married Carey Coffin, of Allegheny City. She died in
1892, leaving children : Elizabeth, William, Irene and Lillian. Lillian married
W. R. Emery, lives in Chicago. The others live in Pittsburg, William being
prominent in the great manufacturing firm, Riter & Conley. John M. Osborne
52 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
lived and died near Irwin. Aaron was killed in the war. Albert married and
went to Buckhannon, West Virginia. Samuel, the youngest, lives in Allegheny.
This sketch deals with the fifth son of John and Sarah AlcCormick,
whose name was also John. He was born August 22, 1789, near Larimer
Station, and lived his entire life of eighty-four years within a mile or two of
his birthplace. He learned the trade of a tanner with Mr. Casper Walthour,
being apprenticed in 1804 when fifteen years of age. Later he built a tannery
at Larimer, continued in business for several years, but finally sold it and
also the land in connection therewith. His father and mother were both pos-
sessed of unusual mental attainments, his mother receiving considerable medi-
cal instruction in Ireland from her brother, Dr. Sloan, and in the new home
winning very remarkable reputation as a midwife. John inherited the mental
ability of his parents and was indefatigable in, his pursuits of information.
Without opportunity to secure an education in the schools he made up for it
largely by his personal endeavors, and was recognized as one of the best and
most intelligent men in the community. In the latter part of his life until
shortly before his death, he was justice of the peace at Irwin, and while some-
times irascible, he was noted for the accuracy of his judgments and the
integrity and righteousness of his decisions. His erect form, his extreme
neatness of dress, his ruddy complexion, and his perfectly white hair combined
to make him one of the handsomest and most imposing men in the community.
A member of the family said to the writer John was a little prouder than
Lucifer, Andrew a little meeker than Moses, while the rest of the boys ranged
along the degrees "between the two extremes. His closing years were spent
with Rachel a couple of miles from Irwin. Almost to the last he was accus-
tomed to walk the entire distance for his daily Gazette, which was read with as
much care and, inasmuch as he was as intense in his politics as in everything
else, with as much approval as he read his Bible. It is needless to say that in
giving to his son, born in 1840, the name of William Henry Harrison, he was
a Whig, an ardent admirer of Horace Greeley, whose name he gave to his
youngest born, and as a Republican he was no less pronounced in his views
and vigorous in giving expression to them. This characteristic belonged to
the Scotch-Irish people who settled western Pennsylvania, and is readily
recognized as a racial trait. John McCormick married in 1817 Esther Sowash.
who lived near Irwin. The Sowash family were descended from the French
Huguenots. Esther's mother was a Thomas, whose father was a captain in
the Revolutionary war. Descendants of Captain Thomas are still living in
Greensburg. The Sowash family itself belonged to Alsace Lorraine,-and after
the repeal of the Edict of Nantes moved to Holland, thence emigrated to this
country more than two centuries ago, settling upon the James river. To John
and Esther McCormick were given a large family. They were all their lives
members of the United Presbyterian church as were their children also.
Esther died in the year 1866 and John in the year 1873.
Eli, the oldest except William, who died in infancy, was born at Larimer
Station, May 14, 1820. He attended school until he was fifteen, then engaged
in farming; again attended school two years preparing to teach, and in 1843
began teaching, in which he continued until the year 1854. He won remark-
able distinction as a teacher, being one of the first to depart from the old
custom of hammering knowledge into the head of a pupil in intervals between
frequent thrashings and introduce the more rational methods of arousing the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 53
ambition of the student to knowledge for himself. His schools were not noted
for the quietness that prevailed, but were noted for the quality and quantity
of the work accomplished. There are men still living who attribute to Eli
McCormick as their teacher all that they afterwards became. He was really
one of tlie great teachers of his day. While still teaching he opened a drug
store in Adamsburg, 1848, retaining it up to 1855, at which time he moved to
Kittanning, where he remained until 1858. After this he traveled for a time
for a drug firm, and later returning to Irwin to engage in the wholesale notion
business. He and his notion wagons will long be remembered by the country
storekeepers who lived in this and adjoining counties. In the closing years
of his life, like his father before him, he filled the office of justice of the
peace with great success and general approval. His mind was judicial, his
patience was great, and his knowledge of law was quite extensive. He was
well read, a most vigorous writer, a wise man, and his office was a place in
which his friends loved to gather in order to listen to his ceaseless flow of
story and wisdom. He died in 1890, mourned by the entire community.
He was married December 29, 1846, to Sophia Kepple, the youngest
daughter of Jacob Kepple, of New Salem, or Delmont, as it is now called.
His widow still survives him, living on the spot to which they returned to
Irwin many years ago. Their livirjg sons are John Quincy Adams, born in
1847, who was long engaged with his father in business, and since then has
been connected with the Pennsylvania railroad offices. He was married to
Maggie Cooper and they live quietly in their own home in Allegheny. Jacob
Kepple McCormick, the second son, engaged also with his father in business,
later studied for college with his uncle, James I. McCormick, and attended
Washington and Jefferson College until the middle of his junior year, at which
time he also entered the Pennsylvania railroad offices, where he has continued
from 1879 to the present time. He married Mima Harris and they live in
Sewickley. Three children have been born to them, of whom one still lives.
Edward Baker McCormick also prepared for college with his uncle and en-
tered Washington and Jefferson College in 1881, graduating in 1885. He read
law with John F. Wentling, Esq. He was quartermaster during the first part
of the war in the Philippines, and like all the rest of the family is a Republican
in politics. He is one of the ablest lawyers of the Greensburg bar, and inas-
much as further mention will be made of him elsewhere, it need only be said
that he married Henrietta B. Clawson, and that three children have blessed
their union. Roscoe Taylor McCormick, the next son, entered the Western
University of Pennsylvania in the engineering department, and graduated in
the class of 1888. For some years he was connected with the firm of Riter &
Conley, and for some years past has been manager of the Petroleum Iron
Manufacturing Company, with offices in the Farmers' Bank building, Pitts-
burg. He married in 1890, Anna Ridinger, daughter of Stephen Ridinger,
and they live in Wilkinsburg. The remaining children of Eli died, James I.
and Frank in infancy, and Mary in adult life. Mary married William Rush
Hanna, and to them was born Elton, who still lives at Irwin.
John Calvin McCormick was the second son of John and Esther, who
lived to adult life. He was born February 22, 1822, and still lives on his farm
five miles west of Irwin, hale and hearty and full of reminiscences of the
early days. He has lived within a mile or two of his birthplace for the eighty-
six years of his life, and looks happily into the future, deeply interested in
54 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
the events of today. He was first married to Mary Hartford, and to them
were born three children : Hester, married WilHam Miller, living with their
five sons and daughters, near her father's home ; Jane Hartford, married to
Samuel A. Thompson, now deceased, living with her four children at Swiss-
vale, and Mary Rachel, married Edward D. Hickman, and living near
Freedom, Butler county. Five children have been born to them.
Calvin was married in 1862, to Priscilla Kistler, who died in 1893. To
them were born John Calvin, who with his wife, Nellie Cummings, and their
four children are living in Swissvale ; Anna Katherine, Nancy Hamilton and
George, who live with their father in the old homestead, one of the loveliest
places in all the region round about, and where the home life, in the midst of
which Calvin McCormick is spending his closing years, is as beautiful as the
old homestead itself; Charles, who lives in East McKeesport, was married in
1899 to Caroline White, to whom have been given two children ; and James
Hartford, a graduate of the Washington and Jefferson College in the year
1896, and of the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1899, and now
pastor at Conneaut Lake, was married to Lulu Ferguson, and to them have
been given one child. George is connected with the Union Switch and Signal
Company, and Charles with the Westinghouse Air Brake. As Calvin McCor-
mick sits upon the veranda of his home looking out upon the pike he is able
to recall the old scenes of coaching days, when along the Pittsburg and Phila-
delphia pike there passed the ceaseless stream of vehicles transporting people
and freight between eastern and western Pennsylvania. Marvelous indeed is
the history from 1830 until the present time, all of which he recalls, and blessed
is he who is able to pass the last quiet years amid scenes so good to look upon
as Calvin McCormick's homestead.
Passing by Sarah, who died while still a young woman, the next son was
George, born in October, 1825, and died December 16, 1903. He was married
in 1850 to Martha George. Two children were born to them, one dying in
infancy, and the other, Elizabeth, married William Carpenter Sarver in 1872,
and died a few years ago, leaving seven surviving children. Martha George
McCormick lived only three or four years, and George married (second), in
1857, Nancy Hamilton, and to them were born Frank, dying in infancy; Henry
Harrison, died in 1891 ; William, married Jane Overly and now lives in
Jeannette, and Anna Wentling, in 1895, married Robert J. Sime, who also
lives in Jeannette. Two other children died while very young. George McCor-
mick, with the exception of the last year or two of his life, lived in or near
Irwin. He was early in life connected with the drug business in Adamsburg
and elsewhere, was United States ganger for some years, and the greater part
of his life engaged in the occupation of house painter. He was a man of
sterling worth, stood high in his community, was well thought of by his
neighbors, and lived his life well to the fullness of old age. He was a member
of the Pennsylvania legislature in 1889 and 1890.
The next son, James Irwin McCormick, was born March 24, 1828, and
died August 18, 1881. He attained high distinction as a physician and we
make very brief mention of him here. As a youth he acquired knowledge
with great ease so that by the time he was seventeen he began to teach in the
schools of North Huntingdon township. Meanwhile he read Latin, Greek
and studied mathematics with Rev. W. D. Moore, later a distinguished lawyer
of Pittsburg, and was able to enter the sophomore class at Washington and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ' 55
Jefferson half advanced. He pursued the entire course at Washington College
to the end of his junior year. He obtained permission to remain out the
first half of the senior j-ear with the understanding that he was to be examined
upon the work at the beginning of the second half, and was to be graduated
with only one-half the last year in residence. This understanding was repu-
diated with the result that he stood his examination at Franklin College and
received his diploma at that institution. He taught in Johnstown, Greensburg
and other places, and in 1855 was appointed by Governor James Pollock as
superintendent of schools, finishing the term of Matthew McKinistry. His
scholarship was so accurate, his ability so great, and his devotion to the educa-
tional interests of the county so intense that in two years as county superin-
tendent he added immensely to the efficiency of the public school system.
Later he established an academy at New Derry, which many who still live
attended as students. Meanwhile he was reading medicine with Dr. William
Burrell, and was graduated from Western Reserve Medical College in 1859
or i860. He first settled in New Florence, but a few months later moved to
West Fairfield, where he enjoyed an extensive practice throughout Ligonier
valley. He returned in 187 1 to the place of his birth, Irwin, where he continued
until his death, August 18, 1881. Shortly after his return to Irwin he was
appointed examining surgeon for pensions, which office he held to the time of
his death. He was the candidate of his county for congress and was held in
the highest estimation by the people of the entire county. Throughout his
life he was deeply interested in the public schools, and was always a member
of the school board, and without receiving any return for his service prepared
youth for college year after year. He was married September 26, 1885, to
Rachel Long Black, a daughter of Samuel and Jane Black, who lived near
Irwin. The Black family came from the north of Ireland about the same time
as the McCormicks, settling in the immediate neighborhood. Samuel Black
was a brother of William Black, whose son, James Black, is remembered
by thousands of his students still as president of the University of Iowa, of
the Pennsylvania College for Women, as vice-president of Washington and
Jefferson, and during the closing years of his life vice-president of Wooster
University. Jane Black's maiden name was Jane Mansberger, whose father
died on the Ludwig farm east of Greensburg, 1825, as he was on his way to
Ohio to take up land which he was entitled to as an officer of the Revolution-
ary war. Captain John Mansberger had lived in or near York, and was
married to Rachel Long, the daughter of Captain Long, also an officer in the
Revolutionary war. On the death of her husband Rachel Long Mansberger
remained at the Ludwig farm and there brought up her children. Rachel
Long Black, the wife of Dr. McCormick, bore the name of her maternal
grandmother, and died August 10, 1869, at the age of thirty-five. She was
one of the rarely beautiful women both in person and character, and made
very happy the home of her husband and children. While firm and strong
in her conceptions of right she was gentle, lovable and beautiful alwavs, and
never in the thirty-five years of her life was known to exhibit sign of impa-
tience or irritability. Two years after her death Dr. McCormick was married
to Margaret Mansberger Black, a sister of his former wife, who with her two
childen, Mary Alice and Eugenia, lives still in Irwin. Two other children,
Charles and James Irwin, were born of the second marriage, and both died
while still quite young.
56 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Of the first marriage seven children were born, two dying in infancy.
Among the others there was no death until the recent departure of Dr. John
McCormick, in Greensburg. The eldest was Emma, born in Stewartsville, and
married in 1881 to George Kifer, and moved in 1883 to a farm near Sioux
City, where she and her husband and four children still live. Emma, on the
death of her mother, at the age of thirteen, took charge of the home and
continued as efficient keeper of the house until her marriage. Samuel Black
McCormick was born in Irwin on May 6, 1858, and his boyhood, until his
father returned to Irwin in 1871, was spent at West Fairfield, in the Ligonier
valley, a beautiful spot, and in those days a community filled with young people,
furnishing an environment peculiarly excellent and wholesome. At fifteen he
began a mercantile life with Mr. Leonard Hunker, but at seventeen felt that
he should return to his studies. With his father he began preparation for col-
lege, and also began teaching at a little past sixteen in the North Huntingdon
schools. Two years later, in 1877, he entered the sophomore class of Wash-
ington and Jefferson College, graduating in the class of 1880. He afterwards
taught in Canonsburg Academy and in the Washington and Jeft'erson College,
assisting in the department of Greek. While still a student in college he had
passed the preliminary examinations as a student at law and was registered
with his uncle, Hon. H. H. McCormick. He was admitted to the Allegheny
county bar in July, 1882. One year later he removed to Denver, Colorado,
where he engaged in the practice of law with R. D. Thompson, continuing
until June i, 1887. He was married to Ida May Steep, of Washington, Penn-
sylvania, September 29, 1882. While practicing law he was moved to enter
the ministry, and returned to Allegheny and entered the Western Theological
Seminary in September, 1887. He was ordained as a minister and installed as
the pastor of the Central Presbyterian church, Allegheny, on April 30, 1890.
During his five years' pastorate at this church he frequently met the classes in
the Theological Seminary, and was a member of the board of directors, was
also a member of the Freedmans board, and of the Pennsylvania College of
Women, and of the sustentation committee of Pennsylvania. He was called
in October, 1894, to be the pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Omaha,
and continued as such for three years. He then became president of Coe
College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and remained president until September, 1904,
when he returned to Pittsburg as chancellor of the Western University of
Pennsylvania, to which he had been elected in the preceding May. He received
the degree of D. D. from his Alm.a Mater in 1896, and the degree of LL. D.
at the centennial of the college in 1902. In returning to his old home in Pitts-
burg and in undertaking the important work of developing a great university
in western Pennsylvania he has full scope for all the ability and energy he
possesses. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. McCormick, James
Irwin, named for his grandfather, a student in the Western University of
Pennsylvania ; Gertrude, a student in Coe College ; Samuel Black, a student in
Shadyside Academy, and Rachel, called for her grandmother.
The third born of Dr. McCormick was John McCormick, born in New
Florence in i860, and died in Philadelphia on March 25, 1905. Like his
brother, he was brought up in the Ligonier valley, and his schooling was in
West Fairfield and in Irwin. He taught several terms in North Huntingdon
township, and meanwhile studied mathematics and Latin with his father. He
was unusually quick at learning, and with the preparation that he had made
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 57
was ready to enter medical college at Cleveland, from which he was graduated
as M. D. in 1882. He practiced for a little while at Irwin and then removed to
United, where he enjoyed a very large practice until his removal to Greens-
burg in 1888. From that date until his untimely death a short time ago he was
recognized as one of the leading physicians of Greensburg, his practice always
being very large and extending into districts remote from his home. Less
scholarly than his father, he was perhaps better adapted to the career of
physician than he, and gave himself absolutely to the practice of his profes-
sion. In the twenty-three years of his practice he was absent for more than
a day only three times, and his total vacation did not perhaps exceed a single
month. His kindness of heart, his skill in his profession, his undoubted
wisdom, his unwearied effort in behalf of his patrons, his sincerity and integ-
rity, his willingness to devote his strength to the service of the people whether
he received compensation for it or not, so endeared him to the people of his
community that he was mourned by thousands when he was cut off in the
midst of his usefulness. Only occasionally is it given to any one so universally
to win the aft'ection and regard of an entire community. Some years ago in
a surgical case he contracted blood poisoning and this, as was ascertained
after his death, was the cause of his premature passing away. Like his father
before him he was appointed United States examining surgeon for pensions,
continuing in this until the day of his death. While still a student in the medi-
cal college he married Anna D. Kunkle, and to them were born twelve children,
of whom ten yet live, Sarah, married to Mr. Albert McClellan; Floy, married
to Phil K. Shaner ; Earl, who received his education in Washington and Jeffer-
son College, together with Jean, Emma, John, Paul, Helen, Rebecca and
Dorothy, who live with their mother in Greensburg.
The fourth child born to James I. McCormick was Margaret Isabelle,
who married Dr. Albert Stright Sherrick, and resides with her husband and
children in Alverton, Westmoreland county. To Dr. and Mrs. Sherrick have
been born nine children, of whom Hugh, Viola, Eugenia, Joseph, Emeline and
James are living.
The fifth child was William Henry Harrison McCormick, born in 1864,
married Emma Weaver and residing for many years past on Mulford street,
Brushton, Pittsburg. Harry McCormick is well known in Pittsburg, where
he has been connected with the Western Union, Associated Press, and at pres-
ent with the Keystone Security Investment Company. Three sons have been
born to them, Charles, connected with the Pennsylvania railroad ; Albert, a
student in the Pittsburg High School, and Norman, who was accidentally
killed at the age of thirteen.
Silas McCormick was the sixth son of John and Esther McCormick,
and was born at Irwin in 1830. He has lived in the town of his birth during
his entire life. Like most of his brothers he taught school in his early years,
prepared himself for college, and in 1854 entered Jefferson College, Canons-
burg, from which he was graduated in the class of 1858. He read law and was
admitted to the Westmoreland county bar in 1868, and has been engaged in
Dracticing law from that time until the present. He was married to Henrietta
Gaut, who died in 1900. Silas McCormick is a careful and painstaking lawyer,
is thoroughly reliable, and enjoys the high regard and affection of the people
among whom he is known. He can cover a walk of ten miles as rapidly and
S8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
with as little weariness as when a young man he used to walk from Pittsburg
to Canonsburg at the beginning of the college year.
The next son, Samuel, born in 1832, spent his life in Irwin and in
Pittsburg. He was a soldier in the federal army during the war of the rebel-
lion, and afterwards for long years was connected with the firm of Godfrey
& Clark, Pittsburg. For a season he was in business for himself, but later
returned to his old firm. He was married to Lucile Smith, of Allegheny, and
to them was given one daughter, Violet Blanche, who is married to James
Hartley, and lives with her husband and three children at Emsworth. Mrs.
McCormick lives with her daughter Violet. For the last twenty-five years of
his life Samuel lived at Irwin, but a few months preceding his death went to
the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio, where he died. He was a man of large
ability, and had he given himself full opportunity to exercise his powers would
have made a notable success.
We mention next Rachel, born in September, 1834, and married in 1864
to Mr. John George, a man well and favorably known in a large region around
Irwin. To them were born two children, Harry, in 1865, and Lilla Belle, in
1866. Harry with his wife lives at Braddock, and Lilla, who is connected
with the Etna Life Insurance Company, Pittsburg, makes her home for the
most part at Calvin McCormick's.
Passing by Albert and Mary Elizabeth, who died while still 3'oung, and
also Horace Greeley, the last born child of John and Esther McCormick, we
come to Henry Harrison, who in his life achieved highest distinction and was
known most largely of all the sons. Born in 1840 he was very young at the
beginning of the war of the rebellion, but saw service before that was con-
cluded. He read law and was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county,
and also in Allegheny county, where he practiced from the time of his admis-
sion until his death in 1885. He was an able lawyer, was popular with his
fellow attorneys, had a fine appearance, and readily adapted himself to any
situation. He served honorably in the legislature of his state and was speaker
in the house of representatives in 1874. A little later he was appointed United
States attorney for the western district of Pennsylvania by President Grant
and served as such about five years. He returned to private practice in 1880,
and continued until his death five years later. Generous, brilliant, possessing
an excellent knowledge of the law, a great influence with his fellows, he was
one of the most popular men at the Pittsburg bar. It was his delight to help
a friend, and the younger attorneys especially received from him many words
of counsel and many acts of kindness. His life seemed scarcely more than
begun when a little more than forty-five he died. He was married in 1875 to
Martha Sharon, of Cadiz, Ohio, who still survives him and makes her home
with her brother, Mr. John Sharon. Harry McCormick, as he was popularly
called, was engaged in the trials of many noted cases, and his fame as an at-
torney spread all over western Pennsylvania, and had he lived doubtless he
would have received many further honors both in the forensic and political
world.
JOHN A. YOUNG. The growth and development of a city depend in a"
great measure on the men who are interested in promoting them. If their
efforts are turned in the right direction the improvement in this direction is
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 59
assured. The real estate dealers in every large city are the men who have
this matter in charge to a considerable extent, and among the most enterpris-
ing and reliable of all the firms engaged in this business in the city of Pittsburg
may be mentioned that of J. A. Young & Company, of which John A. Young,
whose name heads this sketch, is the founder and the leading spirit. This
firm has its offices at No. 6000 Penn avenue, and is noted for its excellent
business methods and the system which characterizes all its dealings. The
ancestors of Mr. Young were among the first settlers in the state of Virginia,
whence they came ultimately to Pennsylvania.
John Young, grandfather of John A. Young, was born in Virginia and
removed to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the dis-
tillery business. In this line of trade he was very successful, amassing a
considerable fortune, but of which he lost a great part during the "Whiskey
Insurrection." The later years of his life were spent with his son David, his
death occurring at the age of ninety-nine years in 1858. He had three sons-
John, Jacob and David.
David Yoimg, son of John Young, was born in Blair county, Pennsyl-
vania, in April, 1816. His early years were spent in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of carpentering. He removed to
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1842, locating on a farm near
Wilmington, but continued at his work as a carpenter and builder until 1864,
when he retired to a farm near Greenville, and devoted his entire time and
attention to agriculture. It was here he died in March, 1900. His two older
brothers were living in Columbiana county, Ohio, and in 1832, David traveled
through Pittsburg by wagon to join them. It was his delight when visiting
Pittsburg in later years to note the changes which' had been made since that
time and to compare the city with its former small beginnings. He spent
some years in Columbiana county. In politics he was an ardent Abolitionist,
being among the first agitators for the freedom of slaves, and upon the organ-
ization of the Republican party in 1856, was one of the most active workers in
his section for the success of that body. He was a highly respected and
influential citizen of his day. He married ffirst) in Columbiana county, Ohio,
Mary Duncan, by whom he had five children, of whom two are now living:
James D., a resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania, and Nancy A., who married
W. H. Shaw, also of Greenville, Pennsylvania. He married (second) Mar-
garet Anderson, born near Shade Gap, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
about 1821, and died in Mercer county on the family homestead at the age of
eighty-three years. They had four children, all boys, of whom the following
are now living: John A., the subject of this sketch; William A., a wholesale
merchant in Leadville, Colorado; and David C, the present (1906) recorder of
Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
John A. Young, eldest surviving son of David and Margaret (Anderson)
Young, was born on a farm near Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania,
January 14, 1856. His childhood and youthful years were spent under the
parental roof, and his education was acquired in the public schools, supple-
mented by a course at the business college of Bryant, Stratton & Smith, in
Meadville, Pennsylvania. As he was the eldest son of the family he was kept
at work on the farm, and assisted in the management of it. He was thus
employed up to his twenty-first year, when he left home and visited the west,
notably Colorado, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He conducted
6o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
two stores under the firm name of J. A. Young & Company, one in Leadville
and the other in Villa Grove. Five years later his brother, William A., suc-
ceeded him, and John A. returned to the east, remaining for some time in
Mercer county. He removed to Pittsburg subsequently and engaged in the
grocery business. This, however, not proving congenial, he soon disposed of
it and identified himself with real estate afifairs. He associated himself with
W. W. Elderkin in 1893, under the firm name of Elderkin & Young, and this
business partnership was continued very successfully until 1896, when Mr.
Young purchased the interest of his partner and in April of that year the firm
of J. A. Young & Company, with Mr. A. O. Pyle as a partner, was formed.
This firm is now, and has been for a number of years, one of the best known
in the real estate field, particularly in the East End of Pittsburg. Their
reliability, sterling integrity, and practical business methods are proverbial,
and thev enjoy a large patronage. Mr. Young is a stanch Republican in
politics and his religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church, of which
he is a trustee. He is a member of the following organizations: Fort Pitt
Lodge, No. 634, Free and Accepted Masons, of Pittsburg; Pittsburg Chapter,
No. 268, Royal Arch Masons; Mount Moriah Council, No. 2, Royal and
Select Masters; Duquesne Commandery, No. 72, Knights Templar; and
Alhambra Lodge, No. 293, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Greenville,
Pennsylvania. He married, in 1888, Anna Bieghle, of Mercer county, Penn-
sylvania, and they have four children : Walter D., John Clifford, Margaret A.
and James A.
WILLIAM LARIMER, JR., was born at Circleville, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1809, and died near Leavenworth City,
Kansas, May 16, 1875.
The original family name was French, Lorimier, derived from the Latin
Lorum. a thong. The English form, Lorimer, may be found in many of the
English dictionaries. It indicates the name of an ancient trade ; not the trade
of working in leather, as the word "thong" might suggest, but the "Lorimer"
was a maker of bits, spurs, stirrup irons and all kinds of metal mountings of
brass and iron, including armor. The name suggests this last, as it is some-
times recorded as being derived from the French, "I'armov." The first record
of the name as yet found by us is in 1080, when a certain Durand Lorimer
went from Caen, France, to Scotland, doubtless with the forces of William the
Conqueror. In Scotland, Lorimer is quite a common name at the present time.
The first record found of the Larimers in this country relates to Robert
Larimer, the lineal ancestor of William Larimer, Jr., with whom our sketch
deals. This Robert Larimer was born about 1690 and came to this country
from Scotland, where his ancestors had located when driven from Alsace-
Lorraine by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. He settled in Berwick town-
ship, York county, Pennsylvania, early in 1700, and died in York county in
1772. During his residence in America he had accumulated considerable
property, as there are records of taxes paid on a farm of two hundred acres
in Berwick township, and of a farm in Mount Joy township.
The children of Robert and Sarah Larimer were Thomas, John, William,
Mary, Margaret, Jean and Robert. Thomas, the eldest son, was born about
1745. To this son was deeded the farm in Mount Joy township, and there he
I
i
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 6i
established his home. He married Catherine , of Berwick township.
During the Revolutionary war, Thomas Larimer served in a German regiment
commanded by Colonel Weltner. He died at his homestead in Mount Joy
township, Adams county, in September, 1816. His lands and bonds he be-
queathed to his children. The homestead still stands near the town of Gettys-
burg. The children of Thomas and Catherine Larimer were William, Sr.,
Thomas, Margaret, Mary, Sidney, Nancy and Elizabeth.
William Larimer, Sr., eldest son of Thomas Larimer, was born in 1771.
About twenty years of his life were spent in Adams county, but about 1790
he had removed to Westmoreland county. He was twice married. His first
wife, Martha McNease, of Westmoreland county, died young, leaving two
children, John and Catherine. The second wife was Anne Sheakley, of Adams
county. The children of William and Anne Larimer were Margaret, George,
William, Jr., Martha, Washington, Hamilton, James, Anne, Thomas and Mary.
William Larimer, Sr., was an energetic man, possessed of good business
qualifications. When he died, September 18, 1838, he left his affairs in a flour-
ishing condition and his children were unusually well provided for. Anne, the
wife of William Larimer, Sr., was a woman well fitted both by character and
inheritance to be a helpmeet to her husband in their pioneer life in West-
moreland county. Her grandfather, William Sheakley, was a man of ability
and wealth. W'hen it became evident in 1775 that the colonies would take up
arms against England, he was elected one of the committee of observation for
York county. Anne's father, George Sheakley, was commissioned ensign under
Captain John Mcllvain, at the age of nineteen, during the Revolutionary war.
The home of William and Anne Larimer was known as the ''Mansion
Farm," now the site of Circleville, North Huntingdon township. The home-
stead has been remodeled, but the large oak logs of the original house are still
there, and are more like iron than oak, their dark brown coloring similar to the
antique oak of today. There, on the "King's Highway" (the old turnpike),
between the far east and the Ohio river, William and Anne Larimer lived for
about fifty years, and there entertained many of the prominent men of the time
who journeyed to the West or the South, among whom were William Henry
Harrison and Aaron Burr. Anne had seen General Washington also as he
passed her childhood home in York count}- in his carriage. Washington was
President of the L'nited States at that time (1794). An interesting incident is
related in regard to a business transaction between Mr. W. H. Harrison and
William Larimer. The latter sold a negro girl to Mr. Harrison, neither of them
knowing at the time that a law had been passed making the buying or selling
of slaves in Pennsylvania illegal. As soon as Mr. Larimer was cognizant
of the error he at once returned the money to Mr. Harrison, and the girl was
returned.
William Larimer, Jr., third child of William, Sr., and Anne Larimer,
was born in the old Larimer homestead, now Circleville, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, October 24, 1809. His wife was Rachel McMasters, daughter of
John and Rachel Hughey McMasters (who were also wealthy pioneers), whom
he married at her home at Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, October 16, 1834.
The children of William and Rachel Larimer were John, William, Edwin,
Thomas, Cassius, Joseph, George, Annie and Rachel. The two daughters,
Annie and Rachel, settled in Pittsburg. Annie married T. M. Jones, of the
62 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
firm of Jones and Laughlin, in 1858. Rachel married James Ross Mellon, son
of Judge Thomas and Sarah Negley Mellon, of Pittsburg, in 1867.
William Larimer, Jr., was one of the prominent business men of his day.
Larimer township, in Somerset county; Larimer station, on the Pennsylvania
railroad ; Larimer avenue, in Pittsburg ; Larimer county, in Colorado ; Larimer
street, in Denver, and Fort Larimer, in Arkansas, were all named in his honor.
At Larimer Station he and Hon. John Covode organized the Westmoreland
Coal Company, which is still one of the largest in the state. But his first
extensive business enterprise was with his friend and neighbor, John Irwin,
of Irwin, Pennsylvania, in the "Conestoga Wagon System." By means of
wagons they carried goods between Pittsburg and Philadelphia as early as
1830, many years before the railroad was projected. His next business venture
was in partnership with his brother-in-law, John McMasters, Jr., in mer-
chandising. It was a time of new enterprises, and in many of them William
Larimer was interested. For over twenty-five years he was very successful
and held many important positions. He was the first president of the Pittsburg
and Connellsville Railroad ; treasurer of the Ohio and Pennsylvania (now Pitts-
burg, Ft. Wayne and Chicago) Railroad; chief proprietor and creditor of the
Youghiogheny Slack Water System; chief projector and builder of the Rem-
ington Coal Railroad at McKee's Rocks, and a large shareholder in numerous
California gold mining enterprises and Overland Transportation Companies.
He was uniformly successful in all his enterprises and acquired considerable
wealth, indeed a large fortune for those times. His public spirit, enterprise
and generosity made him hosts of friends to whom the hospitality of his homes,
one in Penn avenue, Pittsburg, and the other in Larimer avenue. East End,
was ever free.
Politically, Mr. Larimer identified himself with the anti-slavery move-
ment, and assisted in the organization of the old Liberal party, supporting
Birney for president in 1844. From this time up to the defeat of General Scott
in 1852 he was in sympathy with the principles of the Whig party, and took
quite a prominent part in the politics of Pennsylvania. He was made major-
general of state militia in 1852, and was mentioned as a possible candidate for
governor. Religiously he was an "old school" Presbyterian. He was also
an enthusiastic temperance worker, and gave substantial aid to the cause.
After financial difficulties, which reached a climax during the general
business depression in 1854-55, General Larimer decided to start anew in the
West, and left Pittsburg for Nebraska the next year. Soon after his arrival
he was elected to the legislature of that territory. He took an active part in
behalf of Republican principles, and the meeting at which the Republican
party of Nebraska was organized was held at his home in Omaha. He moved
to Kansas in 1858, but remained there only a few months. During the Pike's
Peak gold excitement of that year he went to Colorado. He was one of the
founders of the city of Denver, and he built the first house on the site of the
present city, on the land which he and his son, William H. H. Larimer, had
preempted for their own private possession. While a resident of Colorado, Gen-
eral Larimer served for a time as United States commissioner and judge of
probate for the First Judicial District of the territory. He became well known
throughout the West, being prominently identified with the public interests of
Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado for more than twenty years.
At the outbreak of the Civil war. General Larimer raised the Third Regi-
?
^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 63
ment of Colorado Volunteers, and was its first colonel. After a short term
of service he resigned and returned to Kansas, but soon entered the service
again as captain of General Blunt's bodyguard. After the massacre of Baxter
Springs he was commissioned captain of Company A, Fourteenth Kansas
Cavalry, by Governor Thomas Carney.
After the war General Larimer was a member of the Kansas state senate,
1867-70. After that time it was said of him, "He is earnest in his convictions,
conscientious in the discharge of his duties, and zealously labors for the good
of the people he represents." At this time he was frequently spoken of by the
press of the state in connection with the gubernatorial chair and United States
senatorship. While General Larimer was living in Pittsburg he was personally
acquainted with prominent bankers, journalists and statesmen of New York,
Philadelphia and western Pennsylvania, and many of them were entertained
at his home in Penn avenue. The great editor and philosopher, Horace Greeley,
was a frequent guest. Mr. Greeley looked more like a farmer than a noted man
of letters. One morning when ^Ir. Greeley and Mr. Larimer were walking
down Penn avenue, a neighbor, seeing them, stepped back into his house, "to
spare Mr. Larimer the embarrassment of introducing his country cousin,'' thus
missing an introduction to the great journalist. In later years Mr. Greeley
visited General Larimer in his cabin in the early pioneer days of Denver City.
After years of friendship and correspondence, it was natural that General
Larimer should take a prominent part in the Greeley campaign in 1872, and
should be .the first man to suggest the name of Mr. Greeley in connection with
the presidency. After Mr. Greeley's death, in response to his daughter's re-
quest, his letters to General Larimer were sent to her. When the letters were
returned, Mrs. Smith sent her father's favorite pen to his life-long friend.
Another friend of General Larimer's was Governor Samuel Houston, the
liberator and first governor of Texas. He expressed his appreciation of the Gen-
eral in gifts of value ; at one time presenting Mrs. Larimer with a beautiful
brocade gown, and on another occasion with two miniatures of himself in solid
gold frames.
Not only was General Larimer loved by his friends, but he had a personal
magnetism that held an audience's attention when he was called upon for a
public speech. He was a man of fine appearance, with a martial bearing due
to his life-long military training. His height was about six feet, his hair a soft
brown, his eyes hazel. He could speak in public without notes or the slightest
preparation. He had command of a great fund of general knowledge, and
never seemed at a loss for words with which to express himself. The. way in
which he was received by an audience is shown in the following quotation from
the Rocky Mountain News of September 11, 1862. At the time he delivered
the speech mentioned (two paragraphs of which only are given), he was re-
cruiting officer for the Third Regiment of Colorado Volunteers :
"The war meeting held here Saturday night last was the largest and most
enthusiastic ever held in the territory. The meeting was scarcely organized be-
fore General Larimer was called for by the immense crowd in attendance. He
came forward and was received with hearty cheers and most kindly feelings.
Lights were called for in order that they might see his face. When these were
brought the applause was renewed. The general spoke as follows :
" 'Mr. Chairman and fellow citizens : I am an old pioneer. I came to
this country in the fall of 1858. I am one of the first settlers of our Rocky
64 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mountain Territory. I wrote one of the first letters ever written from this
country, certainly the first ever written from Denver City. I had dated my let-
ter the night before, "Golden City," but after writing it, we met and changed
the name to Denver, after our governor, an honor to his country and to his
name. Well, Denver is there still, and I believe will be for ages to come.
♦ * *
" 'Abraham Lincoln has been trying to preserve the Constitution and the
Union, sustaining every state in all its rights, whether real or fancied, and to
leave slavery untouched wherever it existed, believing that the National gov-
ernment was not responsible for it. He has been moving slowly, and has done
everything that could be done to conciliate and assure the South that their in-
stitution should be untouched. In this course I have been disposed to stand by
the President. Now I begin to think I can see the hand of God in this matter.
Had this war been ended a year ago, slavery would have remained untouched ;
the millions who have so long been bowed down by tyranny and oppression
would never have scented the air of freedom and universal liberty as it passed
on every breeze over the plantations of the South from every far-off blood-
stained battlefield ; but now they have breathed its breath, heard its words,
drunk in its spirit, and "as the lightning cometh out of the east and shineth into
the west," so has the light of universal freedom flashed tongue to tongue and
mind to mind over all the land.' ''
William Larimer, Jr., spent the last years of his life on his farm near
Leavenworth, Kansas, where he died on Sunday morning, May i6, 1875. Of
him it may be truthfully said he was a man of ability, genial and companion-
able, broad-minded, always ready to give the best he had, true to his Huguenot
descent and principles. He served his country as an officer of the National
Guard of Pennsylvania and of Nebraska, and in the Civil war. The following
are his seven commissions: i. Second lieutenant. Eighth Infantry, August 3,
1828, by John Andrew Shulze, Governor of Pennsylvania. 2. Major First
Battalion of Sixth Regiment Allegheny County Volunteers, April 15, 1845, by
Francis R. Shunk, Governor of Pennsylvania. 3. Brigadier-General, June 4,
1848, Pennsylvania Troops, by William F. Johnston, Governor of Pennsyl-
vania. 4. Major-General, December 22, 1852, by William Bigler, Governor of
Pennsylvania. 5. Captain LaPlatte Guards, October 17, 1855, by Mark N.
Izard, Governor of Nebraska. 6. By Hon. James H. Lane, August 7, 1862,
to raise Third Regiment Colorado Volunteers. 7. By Governor Thomas Car-
ney, August 7, 1863, Captain Company A, Fourteenth Kansas Volunteer
Cavalry.
GEORGE W. McNEIL, M. D., a well-known physician in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, who has not alone attained eminence in his profession, but has
been prominently identified with all movements tending toward public improve-
ment in that city for a number of years, is descended from an old and honored
family.
John M. McNeil, M. D., father of Dr. George W. McNeil, was born in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, in 1820. For a number of years he was the
owner of and personally conducted a grist mill at Bull's Run, but later he
turned his attention to the profession of medicine, in which he became
eminently successful. He became a student at Jefiferson Medical College, from
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 65
v.hich institution he was graduated, and immediately proceeded to practice
his profession. Fie settled at Salem Cross Roads, where he obtained a large
circle of patients, and there he spent his life. He married Jane McCall, and
had children ; George W., of whom see forward ; Mary, who married George
McLaughlin ; John M., deceased ; S. D., also deceased ; and Nannie.
George W. McXeil, M. D., son of Dr. John M. and Jane (McCall)
McNeil, was born in Salem Cross Roads, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
in 1S50. His early education was obtained in the public schools and the
academy, and he then attended the Ann Arbor and Jefferson Medical Col-
leges, from which he later graduated. Immediately after his graduation he
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Salem Cross Roads, and
his conscientious and faithful devotion to his work have met with well merited
success. He was in the Dixmont Hospital for two years, and was president of
the Allegheny County Medical Society in 1878. In spite of the demands which
his professional work makes upon him, Dr. McNeil finds time to give his per-
sonal attention and labor to matters of public interest, and has been the prime
mover in many schemes which have tended to the advantage of the city. He
has been a member of the common council for three terms and of the school
board for nine years. He is also a member and active worker in the
Presbyterian church, and is highly esteemed for his many charities.
He married Mary Young, daughter of George M. Young, and has chil-
dren: John M., born in 1886; Edith, in 1890; and Florence Irene, in 1892.
Mrs. McNeil died in 1892.
GEORGE B. KELLY, of Braddock, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a
dealer in real estate, was born January 31, 1856, son of William Guy and Mary
(McCracken) Kelly, he being one of twelve children, five of whom survive.
The parents were both natives of Dromore, county Down, Ireland, and were
there married. In 1845 they emigrated to this country with their three chil-
dren, and remained at Albany, New York, two years, and then came
to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, via the canal. They located at Wilkins-
burg, where they followed farm life. He died in 1876, aged sixty-nine
years. In politics Mr. Kelly was a Republican. In religious faith the family
was, while living in their native country, members of the old Covenanters, but
upon coming to this country became connected with the United Presbyterian
church. Mrs. Kelly died in 1894, aged eighty-six years. Their surviving
children are: Robert, a contractor, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Samuel, of
the Kelly- Wood Real Estate Company, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Anna, wife
of William Beam, of Rummerdale, Pennsylvania ; Sarah, wife of William
McHenry, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; George B., of this sketch.
George B. Kelly was only permitted to acquire but a limited education in
the country schools, and at the age of twenty-two years left the farm and came
to the city of Pittsburg and engaged in the live-stock business at the city
stock-yards. He was thus connected for several years, and in 1890 engaged
in the real estate business at East Liberty, and still follows the same in a most
honorable and satisfactory manner.
In his political choice Mr. Kelly is a Republican. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and is one of the trustees of Lincoln Avenue
church. He belongs to Duquesne Lodge, No. 574, Free and Accepted Masons.
66 ' A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Palmer. Their children
are : Margaret, a graduate of the Pittsburg High School and of the Woman's
College of Baltimore, Maryland, and Alice, who graduated from the Pittsburg
High School in 1907.
DR. JOHN McCULLOUGH WILSON, a member of the medical pro-
fession of Pittsburg, who comes of Scotch-Irish ancestry both on the paternal
and maternal side, was born in Dennison, Ohio, August 14, 1872, a son of
Dr. Thomas H. and Harriet (McCullough) Wilson, he being the second child
of four in his parents' family. His grandfather Wilson was among the gold
prospecters in California when the precious metal was first discovered in 1848.
While there he met with an accident resulting in death. Dr. Thomas Wilson,
the subject's father, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 4, 1846.
He remained under the parental roof until the breaking out of the Civil war,
when he entered the service of his country, though at the time being but
fifteen years of age. He enlisted in Company H, Eightieth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. The place of his enlistment was Fort Meigs, and he served about
three months in the ranks when he was chosen from out his command by
General W. T. Sherman to take charge of the mail, and in this capacity he
remained with Sherman during the entire war. After peace had been declared,
he returned home and began the study of medicine with Dr. Ingraham, of
Coshocton county, Ohio, and later entered Starling Medical College at Colum-
bus, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1868. The same year he located at
Dennison, Ohio, where he began the practice of his chosen profession, and
where he is still in practice — the oldest physician of the place in point of serv-
ice. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Union Veteran
League. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been
a member of the official board for many years. In politics he is independent,
and while he is inclined toward Democracy he is a warm supporter and admirer
of President Theodore Roosevelt. During his short residence in Pittsburg he
served as member of the common council from the Twentieth ward. For nearly
twenty years he has served as a member of the Dennison (Ohio) school board,
ever taking much interest in both religious and educational matters.
, He married Miss Harriett McCullough, by whom was born the foUowiiig
four children, all still Hving: i. Ella, wife of George S. McCaw, of Denni-
son, Ohio. 2. Dr. John M., of this notice. 3. Dr. Roy A., of Dennison, Ohio.
4. Nettie, wife of F. N. Levens, of Cleveland, Ohio.
The subject. Dr. John M. Wilson, acquired his education in the Dennison,
Ohio, common and high schools, and at Scio College, Scio, Ohio, after which
he took up the study of the science of medicine. In 1893, in company with
his brother, he entered the University of Western Pennsylvania (medical de-
partment), and graduated therefrom with the class of 1896. Following his
graduation he was appointed resident physician at the City Hospital at Marshal-
sea, serving in such capacity for two years, when he established himself in a
regular practice in the East End, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, since which date he
has built up a large, lucrative practice.
He is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Alle-
gheny Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the American Medical
Association, and the College of Physicians. He is an advanced Free Mason, be-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 6j
ing a member and past master of Duquesne Lodge. No. 546, Free and Accepted
Masons; Pittsburg Chapter, No. 268, Royal Arch Masons; Duquesne Com-
mandery. No. 72, Knights Templar ; Pennsylvania Consistory, Valley oi
Pittsburg, A. & A. Scottish Rite. He is also connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, Nicholson Lodge, No. 585. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and politically is a Republican, but has never had
any aspirations to become an office holder within any political organization,
preferring to devote his whole time and energy to his profession.
HON. JOHN FREMONT COX, a leading attorney-at-law in Pittsburg,
but residing at Homestead, Pennsylvania, was born in Mifflin township, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1852, a son of William and Anna
(VVhitaker) Cox. The father, William Cox, was born in England November
10, 1806, and died on October 3, 1891. He came to America in 1831, settling
in Pittsburg, in what is now the Twenty-second ward. He was the son of
Thomas and Catherine Cox, of Northamptonshire, England. When he reached
his majority the subject's father married, in England, Hannah Ford, and soon
thereafter emigrated to this country with a view of bettering their condition.
In Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Cox found suitable lands for salt
works, and located opposite Homestead, where he successfully operated sev-
eral years. He then went to Mifflin township, and by industry and frugality
became a wealthy farmer. In 1878 he moved into Homestead and there ever
after lived a retired life. He at one time owned five valuable farms, four of
which were located in Lawrence county and one near Homestead, and these
were all occupied by his children. In his religious faith he was a Methodist
Episcopal and in political party choice a Republican. For many years he
served his church in the capacity of class-leader and steward. He was twice
married. His first wife died many years ago and left eight children, as fol-
lows : Sarah, Catherine, Joseph, Thomas, Elizabeth, William, George and
Asa. For his second wife Mr. Cox married Mrs. Anna Whitaker, the daugh-
ter of Christian and Anna (Forney) Dellenbaugh, all natives of Switzerland,
Mrs. Cox. born March 9, 1810, being but eleven years of age when she came
to this country. By her marriage to Mr. Cox the issue was one son — Hon
John Cox, of this notice.
John F. Cox, a son of William and Anna Cox, spent his early years on
his father's farm and attended the public schools. In 1870 he entered West-
minster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where he remained four
years, and he then entered LTnion College, Alliance, Ohio, where he graduated
with the class of 1875. He taught school three years at Homestead and
Camden, in his native township. He chose law for his profession and studied
under Major W. C. Moreland and John H. Kerr, of Pittsburg, being admitted
to the Allegheny county bar in 1880. Since that date he has been in constant
practice and has won an enviable reputation as a successful lawyer. He was
one of the associate council in the celebrated "Homestead Strike" cases in
1892. Politically IMr. Cox is a staunch supporter of Republican party principles
and was elected burgess of his borough for two terms in succession. In 1885
and 1887 he served his district as representative in the state legislature. He
was chosen on the judiciary committee, general and local, and was chairman
of the committees on retrenchment and reform. \\'hile in the legislature he
68 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
espoused the cause of the laboring man and his bill to modify the conspiracy
laws of the commonwealth was among the most important measures before
that session in the true interest of the working classes. While he secured its
passage in the house it was defeated in the senate by a tie vote.
Mr. Cox is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics, and the Independent Order Artisans.
He was united in marriage, April 15, 1884, to Elvira, daughter of Captain
A. C. and Mary J. (Lynch) Ackard. By this union was born the following
children : Annie Luella, wife of John F. Dittman, residing at Homestead,
Pennsylvania, and Robert Pattison, now a student at Westminster College,
which his father attended.
While Mr. Cox has his residence at Homestead, he maintains his law
office at Pittsburg, in the new Berger office building, where he enjoys a large
legal practice and counts his friends by the legion. For twenty-seven years he
has stood before the Pittsburg bar, and during all these years has merited and
had the esteem of the bench and bar in Allegheny and adjoining counties, as
well as formed a wide circle of friends and admirers throughout the state.
WILLIAM Y. HUA'IPHREYS, of Pittsburg, is a representative of a
family which can be traced in England from the reign of William the Con-
queror, several of the name being registered in the Doomsday Book. Members
of the family were also enrolled in the ranks of the crusaders and endured the
manifold perils and privations which beset those who consecrated themselves
to the redemption of the holy sepulchre.
Michael Humphreys, founder of the American branch of the race, came
in 1643 from Lyme, England, and settled at Simsbury, Connecticut, and
George Humphreys, great-grandfather of William Y. Humphreys, bore an
honorable part in the war for independence. In 1775 he was colonel of the
Seventeenth Regiment, Connecticut Militia, and was among those who rallied
for the defense of Concord.
George D. Humphreys, grandson of the Revolutionary hero, moved from
Canton, Connecticut, to St. Louis, Missouri, and established the Mississippi
Glass Company, of which he was president at the time of his death. He
married Sarah Frances Young, and their children were : George, deceased ;
William Y., of whom later; May, wife of William H. Coolidge, of Boston,
Massachusetts ; and Ellen, wife of the Rev. Harry Hillard, of Oakland,
California. The death of Mr. Humphreys, the father, occurred about 1877.
William Y. Humphreys, son of George D. and Sarah Frances (Young)
Humphreys, was born May 8, 1861, in St. Louis, where he was educated in
public and private schools. At the age of sixteen, upon the death of his
father, he entered the service of the Mississippi Glass Company. In 1887 he
came to Pittsburg and engaged in the iron brokerage business under the firm
name of Preston & Humphreys. The partnership was subsequently dissolved,
and Mr. Humphreys became the senior member of the firm of Humphreys,
Griffin & Company, an organization which was very successful and still con-
ducts a large business in iron and steel. In i8g6 Mr. Humphreys organized
the Bessemer Coke Company, and the following year formed the Empire Coke
Company. Subsequently he founded the Columbia and Duquesne Coke Com-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 69
panics, and shortly after merged them all together, with three other plants,
forming the present Bessemer Coke Company. This firm, which began with
one hundred ovens, has in a few years become next to the largest of the inde-
pendent coke companies operating in the Connellsville region, employing about
two thousand men and operating fourteen hundred ovens.
Mr. Humphreys still retains the presidency of this company, and is also
president of the Millsboro Coke Company, as well as vice-president of the
Powell Coal & Coke Company and of the Pittsburg Coal Washer Company, in
addition to being connected with numerous other enterprises.
Air. Humphreys married. Xovember 21, 1892, Ellen Stephenson, daughter
of John G. and Elizabeth Y. (Patterson) Stephenson, and they are the parents
of six children: i. William Y., Jr. 2. John G. 3. Elizabeth S. 4. Alan S.
5. Katherine S. 6. Richard A. While a very domestic man Mr. Humphreys
is extremely fond of yachting, hunting and all outdoor sports, believing that
a liberal amount of healthful pleasure is conducive to the best results in work.
DR. JAMES A. LIBBEY, of the dental surgeon's profession of Pitts-
burg, was born on a farm in Moon township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
August 29, 1846, the son of Bennett and Agnes (Littell) Libbey. His father
was born in Vermont in 1805, and died in 1856. He was the son of Josiah
Libbey, whose ancestors came to America in 1623 and settled in Vermont.
Among the first of this family to come to our shores were five brothers ; one
settled in Vermont, one in Massachusetts, one in New Hampshire and two in
Maine. Bennett Libbey was a wood turner by trade and followed it all his
life. At a very early day he settled in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he
both farmed and worked at his trade. In his declining years he removed to
Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he died. He was a member of the United
Presbyterian church and much devoted to his family and home enjoyments.
Politically he voted the Democratic ticket until the formation of the Repub-
lican party, and then espoused that party's cause. He cast a vote for General
John C. Fremont for president, and was afterward much interested in local
and national politics.
He married Agnes Littell, daughter of William Littell and wife ; she was
born February 23, 1809, and died in November, 1889. In church and all
benevolent affairs she was a very active woman. (See family history of the
Littells elsewhere in this work.) Bennett and Agnes Littell were the parents
of four children, as follows: i. Alice, unmarried, living at Salineville, Ohio.
2. William Bennett, commonly known as Lieutenant Libbey, served in the
Civil war in the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and died aged fifty-three
in 1893. He was a dentist at Washington, Pennsylvania, and married Addie
Sutton, to whom were born two daughters. 3. John Edgar, who died aged
sixty, in 1903, married Mary McLain, and had one son, McLain, who was
the assistant editor for the Washington Observer. John Edgar was also a
dentist and practiced his profession for twenty-five years. He was a person
of considerable note. He was of the United Presbyterian faith and devoted to
the church of his choice. 4. Dr. James A. Libbey, the subject of this memoir.
Dr. James A. Libbey spent his youthful days in Beaver county, Pennsyl-
vania, attending the common schools and the Beaver Academy later. After
leaving the academy he became a traveling salesman for the Wheeler & Wil-
70 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
son Sewing Machine Company, continuing with them for six years. He then
came to Pittsburg and took up dentistry with Dr. J. G. Templeton, and gradu-
ated from Penn College of Dentistry with the class of 1882. Unassuming in
manner, yet the profession in western Pennsylvania perhaps does not have a
representative better posted in dentistry than he. He is a member of the
Odontological Society, and was the president of that body from 1887 to 1893.
He belongs to the Lake Erie Dental Association, and was its president in 1893;
is a member of the Pennsylvania State Dental Society, and was its president
in 1894; and is also a member of the National Dental Association, and was its
president in 1902. He was member of the State Dental Board from 1890 to
1902, serving as its president the last year named.
Dr. Libbey is a member of the Presbyterian church, a ruling elder and
superintendent of the Sunday-school for six years. Politically he is a Repub-
lican. He is an advanced Mason, belongs to Orient Lodge, F. and A. M. ; Du-
quesne Chapter, of which he is past high priest, and belongs to Pittsburg
Commandery and the Consistory.
He was united in marriage September 6, 1876, to Anna Russell, born in
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1849, daughter of Thomas and Clara
(Cunningham) Russell. Dr. and Mrs. Libbey are the parents of two sons:
I. James T., born at East Liverpool, Ohio, June 17, 1879, graduated from the
Western University of Pennsylvania with the class of 1904 as a civil engineer,
and is now stationed at Lakewood, New York, for the Erie Railroad Company ;
he married Maud Hunter in March, 1906. 2. Wilber F., born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, April 10, 1885, attended the Western University of Pennsyl-
vania, and was fitted for a civil engineer. He is now at home.
DR. JOHN LAUGHLIN MARTIN, who is one of Greater Pittsburg's
prominent young physicians and surgeons, comes from one of the highly es-
teemed families of the city. He is the son of Rev. Daniel Cowgill and Lu-
crecia Mott (Mcintosh) Martin. The Doctor was born at Princeton, Indiana,
July 29, 1878. He spent his early days in his native place, and when about nine
years of age his parents removed to Pennsylvania, locating in Shaler township,
Allegheny county. In 1899 the family removed to Pittsburg. The Doctor's
education was commenced in the public schools, and in 1895 he entered Geneva
College, at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated
in 1898. In April of the year last named he enlisted as a private and was pro-
moted to corporal in Company B, Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, to do service
in the Spanish-American war. His regiment was first ordered to Mt. Gretna,
Pennsylvania, and from there left for San Francisco, three weeks later sailed
for the Philippine Islands, arriving July 14, and was in one of the first regi-
ments to land in that country. He remained there in active service until Sep-
tember, 1899, when he returned to San Francisco and was honorably dis-
charged and mustered out of service. He at once returned to Pittsburg, and
soon thereafter entered the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, graduating
from that institution in 1903, after which he was made resident physician at
St. John's Hospital at Allegheny, where he continued three months, and was
then resident physician of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital four months.
The next year he spent in the South Side Hospital. The next seven months
he was physician at the Marshalsea Asylum at Marshalsea, Pennsylvania. In
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 71
July, 1907, he opened his office as physician and surgeon in most elegantly
equipped office rooms at No. 127 North Highland avenue, Pittsburg, where he
now enjoys an excellent practice.
Dr. Martin is a member of the Allegheny Medical Society, a member of
the Pennsylvania State Medical Association, of the American Medical Society,
and of the West Pennsylvania Society. Politically he is a supporter of the Re-
publican party. In business affairs he is ever alert to the best interests of the
city in which he resides. He is connected with the Pittsburg Board of Trade
and seeks to further every good enterprise. He belongs to the Reformed Pres-
byterian church on North Highland avenue, where he is an active worker in
the Sunday-school and young people's societies.
Dr. Martin was married at Somerset, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1906, to
Mary Margaret McClean, born in Washington, District of Columbia, September
22, 1878, and a graduate of Washington Seminary of that city. She is the
daughter of John and Jane (Olmstead) McClean. Her father is a prominent
contractor and builder and constructed the Insane Asylum at Washington, Dis-
trict of Columbia. Mrs. Martin's family trace their lineage back to members
of Revolutionary fame. The Doctor and wife now reside at No. 401 North
Highland avenue, Pittsburg.
CAMPBELL G. ELWOOD, proprietor of Kenwood Lawn, Pittsburg, and
also connected with the fire insurance business, was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1852, son of John and Sarah (Campbell)
Elwood. His father was born in Westmoreland county and both himself and
wife were of Scotch-Irish extraction. The grandfather Elwood came from
Ireland. In his early life the subject's father was a barn-builder, but later be-
came a farmer. He died in 1864, aged either forty-five or forty-six years.
Politically he was a Democrat. He married Miss Sarah Campbell, a native of
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, born in 1822. Her people also were of
Scotch-Irish stock and came from Ireland originally. She is now eighty-five
years of age and makes her home with her son, Campbell G., in Pittsburg.
Mr. and Mrs. John Elwood were the parents of four children, three of whom
still survive: i. Campbell G., of this notice, of whom later. 2. Sadie, unmar-
ried. 3. Nannie, wife of Sloan Smith, of Seattle, Washington.
Campbell G. Elwood remained at home until fifteen years of age, receiving
only a limited education. Soon after his father's death he was forced to work
to assist in the support of the family. In 1867 he went into the lumbering dis-
tricts of Indiana and Clearfield counties, Pennsylvania, where he worked about
two years. He then went to Saltsburg and learned the carpenter's trade, and
in 1877 went to the oil fields of Venango county, Pennsylvania, where he fol-
lowed tank-building, drilling and dressing tools. After one year in that locality
he went to the Bradford oil region, where he drilled, dressed tools and con-
tracted for some time. His next work was the superintendency of Pugh &
Emerson's plant in their McKean county, Pennsylvania, field of operations.
He held this position until 1882, when he moved to Pittsburg and took charge
of laying a line of thirteen miles for them from Marysville to Pittsburg, com-
pleting the task within sixty-two days, he having the entire charge of the
work. He remained with this firm in Pittsburg for two years, at which time
they sold out, after which Mr. Elwood became superintendent for the George
72 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
W. Westinghouse gas interests. When the Philadelphia was formed he was
made assistant superintendent of that business and assigned to the east dis-
trict, in which capacity he remained seven years and resigned to accept the
position of assistant superintendent under E. M. Bigelow, city superintendent of
highways and sewers. He continued in this work for six years, then engaged
in contracting, grading and paving. This required more capital than he could
then command, and he sold his business to another and entered the fire insur-
ance business, with which he is still identified. In 1895 he sub-leased and began
the operation of the Kenwood Lawn, which property he purchased April
I, 1906.
In politics Mr. Elwood is a supporter of the Republican party generally.
He has been a dominant factor in politics for many years, and his eflforts to
promote honest city and county government have come to be a part of the
local history of the city and county in which he resides. It goes without say-
ing that his efforts along reformed political lines have not been without bitter
opposition, but not without having resulted in much good for the masses.
He is a member of James B. Nicholson Lodge No. 585, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, also of the Protected Home Circle.
Mr. Elwood was united in marriage in 1895 to Miss Lydia, daughter of
James Simons and wife. Her father is the present government inspector on
the river at Pittsburg. No issue by this marriage union.
JAMES VERNER McMASTERS, ESQ., alderman representing the
Second ward of the city of Pittsburg, was born in this city December 24, 1854,
son of Samuel and Isabella (Calvert) McMasters, he being one of seven in
his parents' family. The father, Samuel McMasters, was born in county
Down, Ireland, in 1834, and came to the United States in 1844, locating in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he spent his later years in various business
enterprises, including the livery business, which he conducted for a number
of years. In politics he voted the Democratic ticket. He was a citizen of more
than ordinary influence and an^ active party worker. He served as alderman
three terms from the Fifth ward of his city. He died in the month of Decem-
ber, 1 90 1. He married Isabella Calvert, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
born in 1823 ; her parents came from Ireland at an early day. She died in De-
cember, 1899, aged seventy-six years. The issue of Samuel and Isabella (Cal-
vert) McMasters was seven children, four of whom survive, as follows : Anna
L., wife of Ezekiel Guy, Binghampton ; Richard E., of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania ; Isabella, wife of C. V. McClure, Pittsburg; and James Verner, of whom
later.
James V. McMasters obtained his education in the Third ward public
schools of Pittsburg, and in his young manhood days began his career as a
clerk in the prothonotary's office of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, under B.
F. Kennedav, the prothonotary. After about two years thus engaged he en-
tered the office of his father, who was alderman of the Fifth ward of the city,
remaining until 1877, when he became an employe of James Getty, a whole-
sale liquor dealer of Pittsburg, serving in a clerical capacity until 1885, when
he was elected alderman of the Second ward, which position he has held five
consecutive terms — twenty-two years. Politically Mr. McMasters is a Repub-
lican. He is accounted one of the leading representative men of his city. He
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 73
is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 11,
Pittsburg, and is also connected with the American Mechanics order. Since
the death of his father he has resided at the JMononrahela House.
GEORGE ELIAS ALTER, numbered among the successful practicing
attorneys-at-law in Greater Pittsburg, was born at Springdale. Allegheny coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1868, son of Elias and Martha (Person) Alter. The
line of his ancestry is traced as follows from Germany ;
(I) Jacob Alter, the American ancestor, was a native of Hesse-Darm-
stadt, Germany, and came to America on the ship "Beulah" from Rotterdam,
and was qualified as a citizen at Philadelphia September 10, 1753. He took the
oath of allegiance in 1778, having settled in Cocallico township, Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania. He was enrolled in the Revolutionary army in the Sec-
ond Battalion, Pennsylvania Line, United States Infantry. Afterward he re-
moved to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and there established a flouring
mill known as Alter's Mill, on Conodeguinet creek, and acquired a large tract
of land in West Pennsboro and Franklin townships. A part of the Alter lands
are situated near Alterton Station, on the Cumberland Valley railroad, and
still in the hands of the Alter family. Jacob Alter, the American ancestor above
named, married Margaret Landis.
Of the Landis line it may be stated in this connection that Hans Graafe
came from Switzerland to Philadelphia in 1696 and settled in the Paguea
valley. In 1718 he removed to "Graaf's Hal," afterward Earl township, Lan-
caster county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased fourteen hundred and six
acres of land and built a mill on the Conestoga creek. He is said to have been
a very prominent man in his day and was one of the commissioners to lay out
a road from Lancaster to Philadelphia in 1733 (see Colonial Records, Volume
III, page 521). The township of Earl was named for him and in the foreign
tongue was "Graaf." In ex-Governor Pennypacker's book, "Settlement of
Germantown" (1899), on page 63, he is named as one of those who sent chil-
dren of the famous school kept by Francis Daniel Pastorious at Germantown.
To Hans Graaf and wife, Susanna, were born nine children, including a
daughter named Veronica.
Benjamin Landis came from Switzerland and settled in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, prior to 1720, taking up eight hundred acres of land in Manheim
township. He was a preacher of the Mennonite denomination. He had a son,
Henry Landis, who took up land by patent and purchase in Manheim township,
where he died in 1769. He married Veronica Graafe, above named, and of
their children was the above-named Margaret Landis, who married Jacob Alter
some time between 1760 and 1767.
(II) David Alter, fourth child of Jacob and Margaret (Landis) Alter,
was born February 7, 1775, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. On Septem-
ber I, 1797. he married Elizabeth Mell, and about the year 1800 David and his
wife moved from Cumberland county to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and
effected settlement on Puckety creek, about two and a half miles from the
present town of Parnassus, on the Allegheny river. Here he purchased lands
on both sides of the creek, which is the dividing line between Allegheny and
Westmoreland counties, and there built a grist mill which was known as Alter's
74 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mills for over half a century. He died in 1838. His sister, Susanna Alter,
was the wife of Governor Joseph Ritner.
(HI) Elias Alter, the ninth son of David and Elizabeth (Mell) Alter,
was born May 20, 1820, and he became the subject's father. The place of his
birth was at Alter's Mills, on Puckety creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
He was reared on his father's farm and learned the carpenter's trade, and sub-
sequently removed to Manchester, a part of the late city of Allegheny and now
a part of Pittsburg, where he worked at his trade, and at one time conducted
a planing mill. His education was such as was afforded at the schools common
at that day. In his religious faith he was a Methodist Episcopal from his early
years to the date of his death. He held the positions of trustee, steward and
class-leader in the church at Springdale. In politics he was an ardent sup-
porter of Republican party principles. In his home township — Springdale— he
held the offices of assessor and school director, being for several years president
of the sc'hool board. During the Civil war he volunteered in the Union cause,
but was rejected on account of physical incapacity, having been seriously crip-
pled by accidents in working about planing mill machinery. He was united in
marriage in 1849 to Martha Person and in 1861 moved to Millerstown, Al-
legheny county, and from there in 1867 to Springdale, where he continued to
reside until his death, January 5, 1889. Martha Person was born in the city
of Pittsburg May 23, 1823, and died at Springdale June 14, 1906. She was
the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Lindsey) Person, both of whom were na-
tives of Pennsylvania, the former being of Scotch-Irish and the latter of Ger-
man ancestry.
(IV) George Elias Alter, son of Elias and Martha (Person) Alter, was
educated at the public schools, supplemented by private study. He early chose
law as his profession and fitted himself for such work and occupation. He
was admitted to the bar of Allegheny county December 16, 1893, and is at
present a member of the law firm of Alter & Wright, formed January i, 1907.
He is painstaking and correct in his methods and has already built up a lucra-
tive legal business. Aside from his business as an attorney-at-law he is one
of the directors of the Springdale National Bank and has held such position
since the bank was organized.
He affiliates with the Republican party and is a member of the Republican
county committee for Allegheny county, and has been a delegate to the Repub-
lican state conventions of 1906 and 1907. He is at this date ( 1907) president
of the council of the borough of Springdale and formerly of the , Springdale
school board, and is now one of the candidates from his district for member of
the next session of the Pennsylvania legislature. In his church relations he is
connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and has been so identified since
1880. He has been a member of the official board since 1887 and a trustee
continuously since 1890. He has also been superintendent of the Sunday-school
since lanuary, 1902. Socially and fraternally Mr. Alter is connected with the
following societies : The Pittsburg Young Men's Christian Association, being
a member of the committee on evening classes ; belongs to Friendship Conclave
No. 3, Independent Order of Heptasophs, joining in 1892 ; Springdale Lodge
No. 1052, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, since 1896. being now a past
grand and member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ; and is also a member
of Pollock Lodge, F. and A. M. In stature Mr. Alter is of somewhat excep-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 75
tional size, being six feet four inches in height in his stockings and weighing at
present two hundred and twenty-five pounds.
Concerning the subject's domestic relations it may be said he was united
in marriage, September 11, 1902, at Grace Cathedral (Episcopal), Indianapolis,
Indiana, to Miss Diana J. Swanton, daughter of Job B. and Diana (Swanton)
Swanton, both natives of Ireland. Her father is an expert in the manufacture
of glue. Mrs. Alter was educated in the public schools at Peabody, Massachu-
setts, and Springdale, Pennsylvania, also at the high school of Allegheny Ci>^v
and at Smith's College, at Northampton, Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs.
Alter have been born two children: i. Kathleen Elisabeth Alter, born at
Springdale, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1905. 2. Helen Martha Alter, born at
Springdale, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1907.
GEORGE T. BARNSLEY, a civil engineer and the present county road
engineer of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, is a native of Montgomery county,
Pennsylvania, born in 1864, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Barnsley. He
descends from an English and French Huguenot family which settled in Penn-
sylvania, above Philadelphia on the Delaware river, in 1756. One of the proud-
est pages in the history of this family is that connected with the war for inde-
pendence, in which its members took an active part.
George T. Barnsley was educated at public and private schools in Mont-
gomery county, and later took a course at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore,
Pennsylvania, and there obtained a thorough knowledge of civil engineering
so far as text-books could enlighten him. He then sought out the practical
workings of his professional knowledge by entering the employ of the Norfolk
and Western Railway Company, beginning as a rodman in the engineering
corps of that company in 1887. He put his every care and energy into the task
at hand and, was soon promoted, and remained in the employ of that corpora-
tion for nearly six years, after which his services were in demand by more
than one company having engineering work to perform. He was the engineer
for various railroads, including the Pennsylvania system, where he gained the
needed experience to make him a master of his profession. He paid special at-
tention to bridge and tunnel construction, in which branch of civil engineering
he was looked upon as an expert.
In 1901, when the great Wabash system of railway decided to gain an en-
trance to Pittsburg, he was sought for as the proper man to manage the work,
and in this he proved his skill fully adequate to the undertaking. He was made
resident engilieer in charge of the Pittsburg terminals, which work included
the Monongahela river bridge. This took his time until June 15, 1905, when he
was made chief engineer of the lines of the Wabash road east of Toledo, Ohio.
He severed his connection with the company named October 16, 1905. The
work of his engineering skill while with this corporation will long stand as so
many monuments to his care, good judgment and correct knowledge of modern
civil engineering, while the same also commemorates the long, hard-fought con-
test which it was necessary to go through in order that the Wabash svstem
might gain its entrance into the city of Pittsburg, thus giving the place another
great trunk line. As resident engineer of the Pittsburgh, Carnegie and Western
road he superintended the gigantic work on the Pittsburg terminal, construct-
ing the famous cantilever bridge, the station and Duquesne way improvements.
76 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Indeed, few men can point to more engineering feats of a purely modem
type m engineering than Mr. Barnsley. His name stands for all that is re-
markable and excellent in his profession throughout Pennsylvania and adjoin-
ing states. By sheer native genius for this kind of skill has he forged his
way to his present position, with no lack of will, energy and studious habits
to bring about desired results. He was made the chief road engineer for Al-
legheny county in 1906, a position which he is eminently fitted to fill.
He is among the prominent members of the American Society of Civil En-
gineers, as well as of the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania. He is
also an active member of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, a life member of the Franklin Institute, member of the Engineers'
Club of Philadelphia, the Art Society of Pittsburg, and many other societies
of art and science.
He was married in 1890 to Miss Susa C, daughter of Josiah and Mary
Jones, at Olney, Maryland. One son bears his name, George T., born in 1893.
JAMES McCLINTOCK CREIGHTON, deceased, was well known in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and during his active career was prominently con-
nected with the railroad and transportation companies of Pennsylvania. He
was a descendant in the third generation of James Creighton, a farmer of
Donegal county, Ireland, a member of the Episcopal church, and a man of
character and influence in his neighborhood. James Creighton married Mar-
garet Stewart, who bore him two sons, John and David. (See sketch of
William Creighton.)
John Creighton, the eldest son of James and Margaret (Stewart) Creigh-
ton, learned the trade of carpenter in his native land. He was the first of the
family to come to the United States, and he settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
where he engaged in contracting and building. He was prosperous in business
and became the owner of Pittsburg real estate, the ^ite of the present jail in that
city being a portion of his property. He was an Episcopalian in religion and
a Republican in politics. He married Catherine McClintock, who bore him
three sons and one daughter.
James McClintock Creighton, eldest son of John and Catherine (Mc-
Clintock) Creighton, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, December 27.
183 1, and died November 20, 1887, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His early
education was obtained in the public schools of his native city, and at the age
of fifteen he engaged in business as a clerk. After a few years of mercantile
life he entered the employ of Leech's Canal Packet Line, continuing for a
number of years. He then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad,
being connected with the transfer department at the old Duquesne Station. By
capable and efficient work he was soon promoted to the position of assistant
superintendent of that department, later to that of general agent, and subse-
quently to that of superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania Railroad, with
headquarters at Blairsville. After a term there he was made manager of the
Union Line at Philadelphia, and then general freight agent for the same com-
pany. His ability was now well known and attracted the attention of men
prominent in the control of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with the result
that he was elected vice-pt'esident of that road. Here his wonderful executive
abilitv was given greater opportunity, and he was instrumental in obtaining
JAMES M. CREIGHTON.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 77
many valuable concessions and franchises that enabled that company to- enter
Philadelphia and compete for eastern business. He resigned the vice-presi-
dency and retired from railroad life to accept the presidency of the Ohio Valley
Gas Company at East Liverpool, Ohio. This position he retained until his
death. j\Ir. Creighton took an active interest in matters political and always
acted with the Republican party. He held membership in the Episcopal church
and in the Masonic order of Pittsburg.
Mr. Creighton married, July 22, 1858, Louise H. Roessing, born in Wa-
pukonett, Ohio, December 14, 1839, daughter of Bernhard and Julia (Wescott)
Roessing. The children born of this marriage were: i. Catherine C. 2.
Julia W., married John C. Dihvorth, and died January 19, 1892, leaving a son,
Creighton (see Dihvorth sketch). 3. Bernhard, deceased. 4. John, engaged in
the mining business in Nevada, married x^da Greenstein. 5. Laura H., wife of
Jesse L. Van Gorder, children: Louise, John, Jesse and Catherine.
Bernhard Roessing, father of Mrs. Creighton, was a native of Hershfield,
Germany, and wnth his three. brothers came to the United States and settled in
Ohio. He later came to Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was a prominent mer-
chant in business life covering a period of forty years. He married Julia
Wescott, of Oswego county. New York, a daughter of an old and prominent
New England family. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters.
Bernhard Roessing died at the age of seventy-three, his wife attaining the same
age.
Louise H. (Roessing) Creighton was quite young when the family re-
moved to Butler, Pennsylvania. She was educated "in the public schools and
Witherspoon Institute. She is a member of the Episcopal church and a gen-
erous contributor to its support. She resides at 6104 Hoeveler street, Pittsburg,
Pennsvlvania.
\VILLL\M CREIGHTON, of Crafton borough, with whose development
he has been closely connected and largely instrumental, is a descendant in the
third generation of James Creighton, of Ireland. (See sketch of James
McC. Creighton.) He is a son of David Creighton, one of the two sons of
James Creighton.
David Creighton was born in county Donegal, Ireland, 1795, and died in
Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, 1855. He received an excellent education in the
schools of his native land, was a bookkeeper by occupation, and accumulated
property which he lost largely through litigation. When his elder brother John
emigrated to the United States, David remained at home, married and reared a
family of six children. In 1848, accompanied by his wife and children, he
sailed' for this country to join his brother in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but on
the vovage Mrs. Creighton died and was buried at sea. David and the children
continued their journey to Pittsburg, where he settled on the South Side, pur-
suing his occupation of bookkeeper in that city, and keeping his children with
him until his death in i860, when the family scattered to various sections. His
children were: i. John, born 1835, engineer by profession, Methodist in
religion. Democrat iii politics ; married Sadie Jones, now deceased, no children.
2. WilHam, see forward. 3. Elizabeth, unmarried, resides in Philadelphia. 4.
Tames, died at the age of sixteen years. 5. Jane, wife of Charles Peffer, of
Tarentum, Pennsvlvania, three living children. 6. Henry, late of New Bright-
78 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
on, Pennsylvania ; he was an engineer by profession ; married Millie Jones, and
left three sons, who with their mother reside at New Brighton.
William Creighton, second son of David and Jane (Erskine) Creighton,
the latter of whom was a daughter of William and Jane Erskine. of county
Donegal. Ireland, was born in county Donegal, September 15, 1837. He at-
tended the public schools of the Third ward, Pittsburg, acquiring a practical
education. He was employed in Pittsburg by different firms until arriving at
majority, when he became a riverman, boating coal to New Orleans and other
river points. He became a pilot, and during the war was in charge of the
movement of river coal for the government. In 1863 he retired from the river
and began farming, also owning rriany teams and conducting general contract-
ing, grading, etc. He went to the oil regions when the Allegheny county field
was exploited, and for ten years was engaged in a very heavy business of
hauling and delivering to the wells their machinery and supplies. He is one
of the representative citizens of Chartiers township, and his residence in Graf-
ton, which was built in 1871, was the second building erected in the borough
which now (1908) contains many thousands. He is the owner of large real
estate holdings in Crafton and farm property in Morgan county, Ohio. In
1881 he was elected supervisor of Chartiers township, and reelected several
times since to the same office ; in 1898 was made chief inspector of the county
roads ; in 1903 assistant superintendent of county roads, which position he still
retains, and has served as councilman and assessor of the borough of Crafton.
He is a director of the Trust Company of Crafton. He is a Republican in
politics, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has always been an
active political worker, and stands high in the local councils of his party. Mr.
Creighton, now in his seventy-first year, is hale and hearty, and is a man of
commanding influence in his borough.
William Creighton married, in March, 1863, Elizabeth Dinsmore, born in
Crafton, in 1837, daughter of Henry and Margaret Dinsmore, who were the
parents of eight children. The homestead of the Dinsmore family, where Mrs.
Creighton was born, was an old log cabin located about midway between Brad-
ford and Noble avenues, about one square distant from the crossing point of
those two thoroughfares. Henry Dinsmore with his wife and eight children
made their home in the log cabin from 1822 until 1847. Prosperity favored the
Dinsmore family and a more modern and commodious homestead soon sup>-
planted the crude structure, occupied by the family for over twenty years. Al-
most adjoining the log cabin Mr. Dinsmore erected his new house, which is
still in a good state of preservation. The exact date of the erection of the log
house is difficult to determine, but it is known to have stood at least a century,
and has probably been standing for a period of twenty-five years longer. Five
acres of the original Dinsmore farm, together with the log house, were in the
possession of Mrs. William Creighton at the time of her death, and it is a point
of interest because of its connection with the early history of the Chartiers
Vallev. Mrs. Creighton died January 26, 1908, aged seventy-one years. She
was the last survivor of the eight children of Henry and Margaret Dinsmore.
She was an earnest, active, useful member of the Hawthorne Avenue Presby-
terian church and very liberal in her benefactions.
Children of William and Elizabeth (Dinsmore) Creighton: i. Jane,
widow of James Murphy and mother of two children, Creighton and Marie
Murphy. 2. Margaret, wife of Vance Spohn, a merchant of Crafton ; chil-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 79
dren : Harry, William, Alice and Grace. 3. William, cultivates his father's
farm of two hundred and forty acres in Morgan county, Ohio; married Mar-
garet Kelly, children : William, Regis, Jennie, Josephine, Vincent and Mildred
4. Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Davin, superintendent of street car lines north
of the river; children, Delia and Elizabeth; the family resides in Crafton. 5
David, died at the age of two years. 6 and 7. James McClintock and Ella
(twins), died in infancy. Mr. Creighton and family are members of tht
Hawthorne Avenue Presbvterian church.
JOHN 'A. HARBAUGH, who has been closely identified with the busi-
ness interests of the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for many years, and who
has his place of business at No. 514 Homewood avenue, in that city, is well
known throughout the community for his sterling integrity and reliable busi-
ness methods. He is a representative of one of the old families of Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania.
Henry P. Harbaugh, father of John A. Harbaugh, was a native of New
Stanton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1816.
Early in life he established himself in the mercantile business, and this he fol-
lowed all his life. He married Sarah Kintigh and has children: John A., of
whom see forward ; Fannv K., Frank, Jennie M., Clark M., Margaret and
Harry P.
John A. Harbaugh, eldest child of Henry P. and Sarah (Kintigh) Har-
baugh, was born in New Stanton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber I, 1846. He was educated in the public schools and in Mount Pleasant
College, and upon the completion of his education taught school for one term.
He came to Pittsburg in 1867 and established himself in the hotel business,
with which he was associated for a period of four years. He located in Home-
wood avenue in 1871 and commenced a general store, which he has now (1906)
conducted very successfully for thirty-five years. His pleasant demeanor, cour-
teous manner ^nd excellent business methods rendered this enterprise a profit-
able one. He h?s always taken an intelligent and active interest in public af-
fairs, and was elected school director for a period of three years.
He married Elizabeth Lobingier, daughter of John C. Lobingier. and they
have had children : Harry, deceased ; Blanche S., Maude E., Birdie M., Percy
C, Edward J. and Elizabeth L. Mr. Harbaugh is a member of Dallas
Lodge No. 508. Free and Accepted Masons ; Chapter No. 268, and Duquesne
Commandery No. 72.
MAJOR EDWARD LEE KEARNS, prominent in the legal profession
of Greater Pittsburg, w-as born at the Bolton Hotel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
March 31, 1873, son of Edward P. and Martina (Burke) Kearns. He traces
his ancestry in this country as follows :
(I) Edward Kearns, the grandfather, was born at Carrick Macross,
county Monaghan, Ireland, September 17, 1793, and came to Baltimore, Mary-
land, while quite young and to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1807. He
died in Pittsburg October 14, 1864. Among his children by his wife, Mary
Quinn, whom he married at Pittsburg February 6. 1823, was a son named Ed-
ward P. Kearns.
8o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(II) Edward P. Kearns, the father of Major Edward Lee Kearns, was
born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 23. 1833. He was educated at the
public schools of his native city and at Gray's School. He represented the old
Third ward in council for two terms and was connected with the Pittsburg
Post. He also worked in the old postoffice. He was a partner of Bartley
Campbell, the once famous actor and playwright, and they jointly published
the Working Man's Advocate. Later he was in the United States revenue serv-
ice, and was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Cleveland
during his second term of office on May 23, 1893. He is still living and keep-
ing house at 5639 Woodmont street, Pittsburg. He married Martina Burke,
born at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1844, daughter of Michael and
Mary A. (Findlay) Burke. Michael Burke and Mary A. Findlay were married
at Lockport, New York, April 6, 1824, and moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
locating there in the early part of the last century.
Concerning Michael Burke it may be said that he was a noted character
of his day and generation, full of energy and pluck, and accomplished much
for the material upbuilding of the commonwealth and was a highly respected
citizen of Harrisburg many years. He was born September 29, 1797, in Temple
Trathen, county Tipperary, Ireland, and when very young went to Newfound-
land. He was a contractor and constructed portions of the Juniata division of
the Pennsylvania canal between Mexico and Lewistown, Pennsylvania. He
commenced and was interested in the first packet line from Philadelphia to
Harrisburg, and was also interested in the portable line over the mountains,
described in the general chapters of this work. The first and pioneer blast
furnace erected at Harrisburg was built by Mr. Burke and Governor David
Rittenhouse Porter. It stood along the line of the Pennsylvania canal above
State street. He also constructed portions of the Pennsylvania railroad be-
tween Harrisburg and Pittsburg, as well as parts of the Northern Central rail-
road between Harrisburg and York, Pennsylvania. The original bridge span-
ning the waters of the Susquehanna river at Rockville just above Harrisburg
was under his supervision at the time it was erected at an early date. This
stood on the site of the present wonderful stone arch bridge recently erected.
At Baltimore, Maryland, he constructed the reservoirs in i860, and was en-
gaged in the erection of the reservoir at Washington, District of Columbia, at
the time of his death, August 16, 1864.
He became widely known as well as popular in Harrisburg in his interest
in the first waterworks system the city had constructed. Mr. Burke was chosen
to a seat in the borough council of Harrisburg, and for a time was president
of the legislative body of the city, and became personally responsible for the
payment of loans secured for the construction of the waterworks. The coat-
of-arms of the Burke family have inscribed on them, "Un Roy, LTn Lov and
Un Foy."
(Ill) Major Edward L. Kearns, eldest son of Edward P. and Martina
(Burke) Kearns, was educated at the Harrisburg Academy and at Pittsburg
College. He left college to read law with David T. Watson, Esq., of the Al-
legheny county bar. He was admitted to the bar on December 14, 1895, since
which time he has been in constant practice. In 1899 he formed a partnership
with Andrew G. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Kearns, which con-
tinued until October i, 1905, since which time he has practiced alone at No.
561 Frick .'Xnncx, Pittsburg.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 8i
He was assistant custodian of the Federal building at Pittsburg, under
his father as custodian, in 1894. In military affairs Mr. Kearns has for many
years taken an active part in Pennsylvania. He enlisted as a private in Troop
M, First United States Volunteer Cavalry ("Rough Riders"), in 1898. The
troop was stationed at Tampa, Florida, and mustered out of service at Montauk
Point, Long Island. He did not see service. He then enlisted as private in
Company B, Eighteenth Regiment (Duquesne Greys), January 19, 1899. He
was elected second lieutenant of Company B March 29, 1899; elected first lieu-
tenant of Company B January 31, 1900; appointed captain and regimental ad-
jutant November 13, 1902; elected major March 4, 1904. He was assigned to
command the battalion consisting of Companies F, I, D and G, and served as
first lieutenant of Company B during the hard coal strike while the regiment
was doing duty at Shenandoah, October, 1902.
He belongs to the following clubs and societies : Harkaway Hunt, Ameri-
cus Republican Club, Pittsburg Field Club, Fort Pitt Rifle Club, Pittsburg
Polo Club and the Pennsylvania Forestry Association.
Major Kearns is unmarried and is of a family of the following children,
born to Mr. and Airs. Edward P. Kearns: i. Edward Lee, born March 31,
1873. 2. Burke U., born March 10, 1877, resides in Pittsburg and is em-
ployed as chief clerk for the Vandergrift Distilling Company of Pittsburg. 3.
A. Reginald, born May 22, 1878, a mining engineer at Cananea, Sonora, Mex-
ico. All were born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
JAMES MOORE FULLERTON, among the most prominent of Pitts-
burg's funeral directors, is a native of this city, born June 13, 1850, son of John
and Unity (Gallaher) Fullerton. John Fullerton, the father, was born at
Omagh, county Tyrone, Ireland, September 7, 1810, and he was the son of
William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Fullerton. The family comes of old Scotch
Presbyterian ancestry. The grandfather, after leading a quiet life on the farm
in countv Tyrone, Ireland, died when John was but nineteen months old. The
grandmother, who was a native of the same place and who died in 183 1, brought
her family of eight children to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1823. Of this im-
mediate family none survive. They were as follows: i. Mary, who married
John Ramsey and died at the age of ninety-one years. 2. Jane, a maiden lady,
who died aged about seventy-three. 3. Margaret, who married John Moore,
and died at the advanced age of ninety-nine years, six months and twenty-eight
days. 4. Eliza, who married John Mitcheltree, of Middlesex, Pennsylvania,
and died aged ninety-three years. 5. Ann, who married James Gardner, died
at the age of seventy-four years. 6. James, who died in Pittsburg, aged fifty-
five years. 7. Robert, who was supposed to have been captured by the Indians
in 1845, was never afterward heard of. 8. John, who became the father of the
subject of this sketch. He died May 21, 1901.
John Fullerton, the father, obtained his education both in Ireland, and
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He came to the city of Pittsburg when but twelve
years old, and was a constant resident for seventy-nine years. Thus he saw
the place grow from one of small importance to its present magnitude, and in
his later years he took great delight in relating things connected with this won-
derful transformation. It is said that he was perhaps the best-posted man of
his day concerning the city and its growth. He was the founder and organizer
82 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of the Pittsburgh Historical Society, in which he took an active part up to the
date of his death, and to whom future generations and general historians will
ever be greatly indebted. When a mere lad he was bound out, after the
olden style, and became an apprentice to Samuel Boyce in the tobacco busi-
ness, learning all the various branches of that trade. At the expiration of his
apprenticeship he established himself in business in Pittsburg, and followed it
for fifty-eight years, having been in business longer than any other man in
the city at that time. During the Civil war he was largely engaged in the man-
ufacturing business and employed many men in his establishment. He became
an extensive jobber in tobacco goods, and continued in active business to 1885,
being then eighty-five years of age. From that date to the time of his death
he led a retired life. He was one of the original organizers of the Second Na-
tional Bank of Pittsburg, and also of the Pittsburgh Insurance Company, of
which he was a director, the son, James M., still remaining a director in place
of his father. In his political views he was a Republican, but cared not for
office, but was school director in the Fourth ward of the city. He was con-
nected with the Methodist Episcopal church for more than fifty years ; at first
a member of the old Wesley chapel on Smithfield street, where he served on
the official board. Subsequently he joined the Christ church on Liberty street,
and still later the North Avenue church in Allegheny City. In each of these
he bore a conspicuous part. His wife, who also held the same church relations,
died September 7, 1895, aged seventy-six years.
He married Unity Gallaher, May 21, 1839, and to this union were born the
following children: i. John T., who died September 18, 1904. 2. Susan A.
3. William W., of Venango, Pennsylvania. 4. Samuel R. 5. James M., of
whom later.
James M. Fullerton, the subject, attended the Fourth ward schools and
later a private school at Sewickley, thus gaining a good education. He also
took a preparatory course in business, and then entered his father's store, later
becoming a partner with his brother, William W., under the firm name of
John Fullerton & Sons. In 1883 he withdrew from the firm and engaged in
the undertaking business, locating on Penn avenue. His business prospered
under his excellent management, and he removed to more suitable quarters on
Ninth street, where offices, a chapel for services and a show room were fitted
up. He remained there until July 19, 1904, when he moved to his present quar-
ters at 2007 Fifth avenue. He is a skillful embalmer, which, together with his
courteous manner, has won for him the success which has crowned his efforts.
In 1904 he was president of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association,
and is at present the president of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors'
Association.
In politics Mr. Fullerton is a Republican, and served as chairman of the
Fourth ward committee for a number of years. He is a member of the Tariff
Club and numerous other political organizations, in which he alwavs takes a
lively interest. During the years 1904, 1905 and 1906 he was a member of the
common council from the Fourth ward. He served twelve years on the school
board of which his father had been a member, and represented the Fourth
ward in the central board of education. In fraternal societies he is prominent,
being a member of Franklin Lodge No. 221, F. and A. M. ; Schenley Park
Lodge No. 1039, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 11, Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks, Pittsburg ; the Junior Order of United
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 83
American Mechanics, Lodge No. 117; and the Knights of Pythias Lodge No.
392. He attends and aids in the support of the Methodist Episcopal church,
the church of his father.
Mr. Fullerton married, December 13, 1906, Miss LiUie Wagner, daughter
of Gottlieb and Mary (Hite) Wagner, the former a native of Germany and
the latter born in Pittsbure.
CHARLES B. GREEN. Among the younger generation of men^who are
spending their lives in the public service, and by their order-loving e.xample are
doing much to further the interests of the community, may be mentioned the
name of Charles B. Green, who resides at No. 522 Aspen street, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania.
George T. Green, father of Charles B. Green, was born in North Buffalo,
Pennsylvania, in 1848, and died in 1888. He was prominently identified with
the lumber trade throughout his life. He married Annie E. Gray, and they had
children : Harry L. ; Charles B., of whom see forward ; John L., who died in
1883; Mary, who married Hawley ; Cecelia, who died in 1904; and
George T., Jr.
Charles B. Green, second son and child of George T. and Annie E. (Gray)
Green, was born in Modoc, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1878. He attended the
public schools, where he received a good education, and at a suitable age was
apprenticed to learn the glass trade. He followed this occupation for a num-
ber of years and was then in the hotel business for five years. He was offered
and accepted a position in the postoffice in 1900, where his systematic work,
careful and conscientious attention to the details of his office and general effi-
ciency rapidly earned for him the promotion he deserved. He was appointed
clerk in charge of the Belmar station of the Homewood district May i, 1906,
being the first to hold that office. Here his executive ability and excellent busi-
ness methods are winning- much commendation.
HUDSON SAMSON, deceased, one of the oldest and most prominent
funeral directors in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and who was the father
of many innovations in his particular line of business, was a representative of
a family which had been settled in this country for some generations, and which
had come originally from England. In the "Life and Letters of John Win-
throp," edited by Robert C. Winthrop, and published in January, 1864, it is
recorded : "The Samsons were an ancien.t and knightly family of Samson's Hall,
in Kersey, near Groton, in Suffolk, England, Governor Winthrop's native
place." Abraham Samson, the pioneer ancestor of the Samson family in this
country, landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1629. Samuel Samson, the
grandfather of Hudson Samson, was a noted Quaker.
Jonathan M. Samson, son of Samuel Samson, was a resident of Nantucket,
Massachusetts, and was also a Quaker. He died at the home of his son Hudson
in Pittsburg in 1894. He married Elizabeth Draper, a ]\Iethodist, and among
their children was a son, Hudson.
Hudson Samson, son of Jonathan M. and Elizabeth (Draper) Samson,
was born in Pulaski, Oswego county. New York, April 29, 1840. In early life
he was never in very robust health, and this precluded the thought of a collegi-
84 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ate education. His political ideas were early developed by his father, who was
a strong abolitionist in the days when abolitionists were reviled throughout the
north. Hudson Samson came to Pittsburg and settled there in 1859 with the
express purpose of engaging in the business of undertaking, and for this line
of work his kindly nature seemed well adapted. He subsequently formed a
partnership with Robert Fairman, under the firm name of Fairman & Samson,
and this business venture proved a great success, continuing in force for a
period of eight years, when Mr. Samson purchased the interest of Mr. Fairman
and continued the business alone until his death, which occurred July 14, 1903.
He was one of the first to introduce many of the improvements which have
been made in this very necessary profession, and was a pioneer in the art of
embalming. He erected what was at the time the finest funeral director's
establishment in the United States, in 1884, on Sixth avenue, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, and one year later built a crematory as an addition to this, it being the
first ever erected in the business section of a large city. This innovation met
with immediate and marked success, many of the most prominent residents of
Pittsburg and its vicinity having been cremated in this establishment. In recent
years, when the health of Mr. Samson commenced to fail, he spent considerable
time in travel and delegated a great part of the work of the business to his son,
Harry Gilmore Samson. Mr. Samson was actively interested in a number of
business ventures outside of his undertaking and embalming establishments —
banks, trust companies, etc. — and was the owner of large real estate holdings
in Pittsburg, Allegheny and the East End, among which was a place known as
the "Samson tract," on which the Carnegie Technical School now stands. He
was a trustee of Allegheny College, Beaver College, of the Young IMen's Chris-
tian Association, and of the Pittsburg Free Dispensary, and was treasurer of
the Allegheny County Anti-Saloon League. He was president of the Valley
Camp Meeting Association from its organization, president of the National and
State Funeral Directors' Associations for a number of years, and president of
the National City Evangelization Union of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He was a member of the board of Deaconesses' Home, and of the Oakland
Methodist Episcopal church. He was connected with the following fraternal
organizations : Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar, and Franklin Lodge
No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he had attained the thirty-second
degree, having gone through the order up to the Pittsburgh Consistory. He
was possessed of great ambition, endurance and perseverance. He was equal
to every emergency in business affairs in which a clear mind and logical reason-
ing powers are necessary to cope with any difficulties which may arise. These
advantages he possessed to a remarkable degree. Much of his time and labor,
however, were devoted to the cause of suffering humanity. In these efforts he
was sparing of neither his purse nor his personal efforts. He gave liberally to
charitable and religious institutions, and it was his greatest delight to assist
small and struggling congregations to build churches in which they could wor-
ship undisturbed. It is estimated that he erected at the very least twenty of
these structures in various new districts in the middle and far west, where new
towns and rush settlements spring up and little thought would have been given
to the work of religion were it not for his efforts. He was known throughout
the country for his charity and philanthropy, and his business associates es-
teemed him for his sterling worth and for the honesty and reliability which
characterized all his business transactions. He married, February 4, 1862,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 85
Susan Gilmore, of Utica, New York, and they had six children, of whom but
one is now living, Harry Gilmore Samson.
Harry Gilmore Samson, only surviving child of Hudson and Susan (Gil-
more) Samson, was born on the site of the present postoffice in Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, July II, 1870. He was the recipient of an excellent education in the
public schools of Pittsburg and Allegheny, later attended the Allegheny Pre-
paratory School, the Western University, the Pittsburg College of Pharmacy,
and finally the School of Embalming. At the completion of his college educa-
tion in 1888 he entered the employ of his father in the undertaking and em-
balming business, and was thus employed until the death of the latter in 1903.
He was thoroughly conversant with all the details and responsibilities of the
business, having had almost sole control of affairs for some time prior to this
period, and thus experienced no difficulty in assuming the entire management
of affairs. He not alone conducted the business with the same efficiency that
had characterized it during the lifetime of his father, but his energy and quick
insight into matters have gained increased patronage. Upon the death of his
father Mr. Samson was elected "to take the place of the former as director in
a number of instances : Pittsburg Free Dispensary and the Allegheny County
Anti-Saloon League, of which latter he was elected treasurer. He is also treas-
urer of the Pittsburg district of the Pennsylvania Anti-Saloon League, and a
charter member of the Athelia Daly Home for Working Girls. He has been
compelled to refuse a number of other positions of honor and trust, as they
conflict with the numerous demands made upon his time by his business. He
is well adapted for his vocation both by nature and by acquired training, and
is highly honored and respected in the community in which he lives. He is a
member of Pittsburg Lodge No. 484, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the
Sons of the American Revolution, and is a member and president of the board
of trustees of the Oakland Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, October 18, 1893, at Saegertown, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth
Saeger, and they have had children: Howard Saeger, Hudson Gilmore, and
E. Herbert, deceased.
JAMES C. REYMER, who was superintendent of the Pittsburg Manu-
facturing Company for thirty years and is now vice-president of the same con-
cern, was born in Penn township. Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October
26, 1834, son of Peter and Maria (Evans) Reymer.
His father, born in 1797, was a farmer of Diamond township, this county,
and died December 25, 1876. He married Miss Maria Evans and their children
were: i. Philip. 2. Margaret Ann. 3. Peter G. 4. Harmon D. 5. Jacob.
6. James C. 7. Sarah. 8. George. 9. Louisa. 10. Cornelia. 11. Evans. The
mother died in 1865.
James C, the seventh child in his parents' family, was educated in the pub-
lic schools of his native county and then went to work in a candy factory. Later
he became foreman in a machine shop in Fort Pitt, where he remained twenty
years. He then associated himself with the Pittsburgh Manufacturing Com-
pany, of whose plant he was foreman for thirty years and of which he is now
the vice-president.
He is one of the charter members and a past master of Duquesne Lodge
No. 546 of the Masonic fraternity at Pittsburg, and a charter member of Pitts-
86 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
burg Chapter No. 276 and Duquesne Commandery No. 72. Politically he sup-
ports the Republican party and in church affiliations is connected with the
Baptist denomination.
He married, December 24, 1868, Mary, daughter of John and Rachel Cut-
ter, of Pittsburg. Her father was a contractor and builder. The children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Reymer are: i. James, born August 9, 1869, died April 2,
1893. 2. Charles H., born February 17, 1873. 3. Harmer D., born September
28, 1877, died January 8, 1881. 4. Ralph Evens, born June 25, 1880.
JOHN W. SHERRER, who has been prominently identified with the busi-
ness interests of the city of Pittsburg for many years, and whose commodious
offices are located at No. 6124 Penn avenue, in that city, is one of those men
who by sheer force of determination, energy and ambition rise to the highest
rank in whatever calling in life they have chosen to make their own.
John Sherrer, father of John W. Sherrer, was born in Baltimore, Mary-
land, December 14, 1829. There he spent the early years of his life and there
he engaged in the contracting and building business, in which he was eminently
successful. He removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was the builder
of the first oil refinery in Pennsylvania, this being erected in Oil City. It was
in this city that he also met with three great reverses — fire, flood and the failure
of a firm with which he had business dealings and which involved him in heavy
losses. He determined to remove from Oil City, and decided on Connellsville
as being a suitable location, and there he resided for a period of thirty years,
actively engaged in the building and contracting business. He then retired
from business and removed to Pittsburg, where he died in igo6. He was a
staunch supporter of the Democratic party and was a consistent member of the
Presbyterian church. He married Jane M. Moffitt, born in Baltimore, Mary-
land, January 30, 1838, daughter of Samuel H. Mofifitt, for many years a school
teacher and well known in educational circles in his day. Mr. and Mrs. Sherrer
had eleven children, of whom nine are now living, among them being John W.,
the subject of this sketch.
John W. Sherrer, son of John and Jane I\I. (Mofifitt) Sherrer, was born in
Oil City, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1867. He was reared under the parental
roof, attending school part of the time, but obtaining the bulk of his education
in a practical rather than theoretical manner. At the age of twelve years he
obtained a position in the office of the Connellsville Coke and Iron Company,
which was later merged into the H. C. Frick Company. He remained in this
office in Leisenring, Fayette county, for nine years, and then removed to Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, where he obtained employment in the real estate office of
\'an Gorder & Lloyd, with whom he was associated in business for a number
of years. His next position was as bookkeeper in the City Deposit Bank of
East Liberty, where, however, he remained but nine months, and then estab-
lished himself in the real estate business, in which he has met with unmeas-
ured success. He is honored and esteemed throughout the busine.ss circles of
Pittsburg for his sterling integrity, his reliability and practical business meth-
ods. He is a liberal-minded man and adheres to the Independent party in poli-
tics. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and of Hailman
Lodge No. 321, Free and Accepted Masons, of Pittsburg.
He married, September 20, 1902, Cora Coyle, daughter of Daniel Coyle,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 87
deceased, who was a veteran of the Civil war and prominently identified with
the early development of the steel industry in Pittsburg.
FRANK JACOB ORTH. If a list were made of the younger generation
of attorneys who have achieved a marked degree of success in the courts of
the state of Pennsylvania it would be incomplete were the name of Frank
Jacob Orth missing from the roll. Mr. Orth divides his time pretty equally
between corporation and civil practice, and has attained an enviable reputation
as a pleader and counsellor. He traces his ancestry to both France and Ger-
many, and unites in his legal work the fire and vivacity of the one nation with
the thoroughness and love of method of the other — a most happy and success-
ful combination.
Johann Orth, grandfather of Frank Jacob Orth, was a blacksmith in a
village in Alsace-Lorraine, which was at that time a French possession, and
was also the Lutheran minister of the district in which he resided. He left his
home in France for America in 1848, taking with him his family, consisting of
his wife and three children — two boys and one girl. On the voyage toward
his new home he died and was buried at sea. The mother landed in New York
w-ith her children and died two weeks after her arrival here. The sons were:
Jacob, of whom see forward, and George, who with his sister and brother lo-
cated somewhere in New Jersey. He learned the trade of glass-blowing and
became an expert at this. He took an active part during the Civil war, and sub-
sequently died from the effects of a wound received while in service.
Jacob Orth, son of the minister, was born in Alsace-Lorraine July 4, 1836,
and was but twelve years of age when he arrived in this country. He was
the youngest of the children, and with his brother George learned the trade of
glass-blowing. He also became very expert in this avocation, and migrating
to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, commenced work at his trade. He went to the west
during the Pike's Peak gold excitement in 1859, remained there for about four
or five years and then returned to Pittsburg. He obtained employment as
foreman for the Abel Smith Company, glass manufacturers, and was the man-
ager of the business for a number of years. He then accepted a position as
superintendent of the plant of Phillips & Company, and after some years re-
tired from an active business life, and died January 17, 1906. He was also for
a time a member of the firm of W. A. Lauffer & Company, stone contractors.
He was actively and intelligently interested in the political situation of his town
and country, adhering to the Republican party in national affairs, and»voting
with the Independent party on local issues. He was a member of the Lutheran
church, and possessed considerable influence in the community. He married
Margaret C. Lauffer, born in Pittsburg in 1843, daughter of John Lauffer,
who emigrated to this country from Germany, where he had learned every de-
tail connected with the glass-blowing industry. Here he turned his attention
to the building of furnaces for glass-blowing, and was the designer and con-
structor of the first wood furnace for glass-blowing in the United States. He
later became prominently identified with the glass industry in Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania. Jacob and Margaret (Lauffer) Orth had children: i. Margaret,
deceased. 2. Elizabeth G., who was possessed of a beautiful mezzo-soprano
voice and was well known as a church and concert singer. She married James
M. Cook, deceased, who was a prominent attorney. 3. John H., employed bv
88 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Boggs & Buhl, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 4. Mary Emma, resides at home.
5. Ida L., deceased. 6. Albert G., a bookkeeper, who resides at home. 7.
Frank Jacob, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Orth is still living in the old
family residence at No. 2306 Carson street. South Side, Pittsburg, which has
been her home for thirty-five years.
Frank Jacob Orth, youngest child of Jacob and Margaret (Lauffer)
Orth, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1878. His childhood
and youth were spent under the parental roof, and he attended the public
schools and later the high school, from which he was graduated with honor
in 1896. In the same year he registered as a student of law with his brother-
in-law, James M. Cook, a prominent member of the Allegheny bar. In the
fall of the following },ear he entered the University of Pennsylvania, in
Philadelphia, and studied law for two years. He then entered the law depart-
ment of the Western University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated
in the fall of 1899. In March of the following year he was admitted to
practice at the Allegheny county bar, and in 1902 was admitted to the supreme
court of Pennsylvania. One year later he was admitted to practice in the
superior court of Pennsylvania, and in 1904 to the circuit and district courts
of the United States. Immediately after his admission to the bar he opened
commodious offices in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and devoted his time and
attention to corporation and civil practice, in which he has been more than
ordinarily successful. He is a fluent, eloquent pleader, and his arguments
are presented in a most forceful, convincing and logical manner. He is asso-
ciated with the following organizations : Dallas Lodge, No. 508, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Pittsburg, and with Zerubbabel Royal Arch Chapter,
No. 162; Greek College Fraternity, Theta Nu Epsilon, and Rho Chapter of
the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Orth is still unmarried and resides with
his mother.
PAUL SYNNESTVEDT, an attorney-at-law, making patent law a spe-
cialty, was born in the city of Chicago, Illinois, in 1870, son of Otto and Julia
(Borchsenius) Synnestvedt. The subject's father was born in Bergen, Nor-
way, and came to the LTnited States some time prior to the Civil war, locating
in Chicago. His wife was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and came to this
country about the same time as her husband. They were united in marriage
in Chicago, and were the parents of ten children, including the subject. Paul
Synnegtvedt.
Mr. Synnestvedt, of this notice, was educated at the public schools of
Lincoln. Nebraska, and later at Chicago, Illinois. He also attended the Chi-
cago Manual Training School and the Northwestern University Law School,
graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. After finishing his educa-
tion he was made general air brake inspector for the Chicago & Northwestern
Railway Company, serving from 1888 to 1891. From 1891 to 1897 he was
mechanical expert and solicitor of patents for the Crane Company, of Chicago,
and since that date has practiced law. He came to Pittsburg in 1902, since
which time he has paid special attention to patent office practice, having
secured a large business in this line. He is a member of the bar of the L'nited
States supreme court, the United States circuit court, bar of the supreme court
in Illinois, and in 1903 became a member of the American Bar Association.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 89
Among the societies in which he liolds membership may be named the
Air Brake Association, of which he is a charter member; the Western Railroad
Club; the Pittsburg Railroad Club, and the Union Club of Pittsburg.
Pohtically he is an independent voter. In his religious faith he is of the New
Jerusalem or Swedenborgian denomination.
He was united in marriage at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1893, to Miss
Anna E. Lichner, daughter of Frederick and Anna M. Lichner, of Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania. By this union has been born nine children.
While Mr. Synnestvedt takes care of any legal business entrusted to him
he does special work in assisting inventors in the vicinity of Greater Pittsburg
to secure strong claims on United States and all foreign letters patents. His
whole training and practical experience in mechanics and scientific appliances
and the rules governing -the same has fitted him admirably for the successful
execution of such special legal business.
EDWARD E. BONNEVILLE. The Hotel Henry is among the most
successful, popular and best equipped of the city of Pittsburg, and this is due'
in the first place to the careful management and popularity of the genial pro-
prietor and manager, Edward E. Bonneville, whose unvarying courtesy and
careful thought for the comfort of his guests have brought matters to this
desirable pass. Mr. Bonneville is descended from one of the honored pioneer
families of Maryland.
Samuel Bonneville, grandfather of Edward E. Bonneville, was a suc-
cessful farmer in Maryland, and lived to an advanced age. He married Hester
Ann Bowen, and among his children was a son. Tubman F., the father of our
subject.
Tubman F. Bonneville, son of Samuel and Hester Ann (Bowen) Bonne-
ville, was born near Pocomoke City, Alaryland, in 1829. His early years were
spent on the farm of his father, and he was trained to become a farmer, but
later removed to Pocomoke City, where for a number of years he has been
the chief magistrate and one of the most influential citizens of the town.
Although seventy-seven years of age at the time of this writing, he is said to
be the youngest man in the city in the matter of activity and conduct of public
affairs. In politics he is a Democrat, and it is due to his efforts that many
improvements and alterations have been made in the town. He married
Elizabeth Grace Veasey and they had eight children, of whom five are now
living : Francis Lee, commercial salesman for M. H. Pulaske, of New York ;
Earl S., employed in the Hotel Anderson, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania : Frederick
Lay, employed in the Hotel Henry, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; William T., a
resident of Pocomoke City, Maryland ; and Edward E., the particular subject
of this sketch.
Edward E. Bonneville, oldest surviving child of Tubman F. and Elizabeth
Grace ( \'easey ) Bonneville, was born near Pocomoke City. Maryland, Sep-
tember 14, i860. Here his early years were spent, attending the public schools
of the district and those of Pocomoke City. When he had attained his sixteenth
year the family removed to Pocomoke City, and there he remained for two
years. He went to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1878, obtaining employment as a
clerk at the cigar stand of the Purcell House, but his excellent management in
this position soon obtained for him promotion to that of clerk of the hotel
90 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Itself. He went to Indianapolis in the latter part of 1881, serving in the
capacity of clerk in the Denison Hotel until February, 1889, when he removed
to Pittsburg, and accepting the position of clerk in the Anderson Hotel,
retained this until September, 1898. He took possession of the Hotel Henry
October i, 1898, and since that time this has been under his sole management.
The success of this undertaking has been an undoubted one, as the popularity
of the place testifies. The rooms and ofiices are elegantly and comfortably
furnished, they are models of neatness in every respect, no trouble and expense
are spared where the comfort of the guests of the hotel is concerned, and the
cuisine is unexceptionable. This is all due to the executive ability and method
of Mr. Bonneville, and his watchful eye is over all. A proof of the confidence
placed in his judgment is the fact that he has been the president of the Penn-
sylvania State Hotel Association. He is of pleasing personality and his genial,
courteous demeanor make friends of all who have enjoyed his hospitality. He
is a man of liberal, broad-minded views and a stanch supporter of the Inde-
pendent party in politics. He married, August 31, 1888, Alice Beckman, of
Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and they have no children.
EDWARD MELLON. The death of Edward Mellon, which occurred
November 5, 1898, removed from the city of Pittsburg one of its most estimable
and public-spirited citizens. His birth occurred in county Tyrone, north of
Ireland, in 1842, a son of Roger Mellon.
Roger Mellon (father), a native of the north of Ireland, accompanied by
a daughter, left his native land to seek a home in the new world. He landed
in New York city, but directly made his way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where
for many years he "run the river" between Pittsburg and New Orleans. The
next occupation to which he turned his attention was the keeping of a stand in
the market, which line of work he followed for more than half a century, during
which time he became one of the best-known marketmen in Pittsburg and be-
loved for his many excellent qualities. After the death of his wife in Ireland he
sent for the remainder of his family. They located first in "'Duquesne way," later
changing their residence to Fourth avenue, where his death occurred about the
year 1894. He was a devout Roman Catholic, and at the time of his death was
a member of St. Paul's Cathedral. He took an active part in politics, affiliating
with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Mellon were the parents of
nine children; i. Roger, who followed the occupation of riverman. 2. Ed-
ward, of whom later. 3. James, a resident of St. Louis for many years, from
whence he removed to Memphis, where he still resides. 4. Patrick, a resident
of Butler, Pennsylvania. 5. Sarah, who accompanied her father to this country,
died unmarried.
Edward Mellon accompanied his brothers to the LTnited States after the
death of his mother, and his opportunities for acquiring an education were very
meagre, he being a student for a short period of time in the old parochial
school which stood on the point. His first employment was with his father
"running the river." During the Civil war he enlisted in the LTnited States
service, being under the command of General Sherman, and was wounded in
the shoulder in battle. After the cessation of hostilities he entered the employ
of the Pan Handle division of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and in the
faithful discharge of his duties was deprived of one of his legs. He was then
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 91
given a position as watchman, in which capacity he rendered efficient service,
and altogether was for over three decades in the employ of the company, win-
ning and meriting the commendation of his employers and enjoying the respect
and confidence of his fellow workmen. He was a man of genial disposition
and kindly spirit, and therefore possessed a host of friends who valued him at
his true worth. He was a member of St. Paul's Cathedral, constant and con-
sistent in his duty to his church and religion. He was confirmed by Bishop
O'Connor. He was a Democrat in politics.
Mr. Mellon married, in 1870, Margaret Marron, born about the year 1850,
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Macabe) Marron, of county Monaghan, Ire-
land, where ]Mrs. Mellon was born. When a small child she was taken to Glas-
gow, Scotland, by her parents. Her mother died in that city, and when Mar-
garet was fifteen years old her father brought her and a sister to the United
States. The journey to New York was made in the old steamship "Caledonia."
They came direct to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and settled on "The Point," and
seven years later the death of Mr. Marron occurred there. Mr. and ]\Irs. Mel-
lon spent the greater part of their married life on Fourth avenue, Pittsburg, re-
siding there during the court house fire and the great strike and riot. The chil-
dren born of this marriage are: Mary, wife of Joseph Woods, of Mt. Wash-
ington; Thomas; Margaret, wife of William Johnson, of the West End, Pitts-
burg; Edward, a resident of Pittsburg, married Stella Rafferty; Sarah, Anna,
Elizabeth, Alice, James and William reside at home.
EDWARD JACOB KENT, one of the active members of the Allegheny
county bar, who has a constantly increasing practice, was born March 2, 1868,
near Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, son of Thomas Conrad
and Margaret (Ruftner) Kent.
(I) Frederick Kent, the great-grandfather, was a native of Germany,
and came to this country about 1790, settling in western Pennsylvania, where
he followed farming for an occupation. In his religious faith he was a Roman
Catholic. He married, and among his children was one son named Conrad.
(II) Conrad Kent, son of Frederick Kent, became the paternal grand-
father of the subject of this notice. He lived in Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, and among his children was a son, Thomas Conrad Kent.
(III) Thomas Conrad Kent, the father of Edward J., was born in
January, 1848, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, son of Conrad Kent
and wife. By occupation he was a farmer, as had been his forefathers. He
received a good common-school education at the public schools of his native
county. In his political choice he was a Democrat and in religion a Catholic.
He married Miss ]Margaret, eldest daughter of Isaac and Mary RufTner, of
New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Edward J. Kent, subject, attended the common schools until about
fourteen years of age, when he began his college course at St. Vincent's Col-
lege, Beatty, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He remained in that most
excellent educational institution until nineteen years of age, and then entered
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, taking a two-years' course in the
law department and graduating with the class of 1890, with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. He at once began the practice of his profession and now
enjoys a lucrative practice in the courts of his state. Aside from his legal
92 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
business he is largely interested in the coal trade, being president and a director
in the Rex Carbon, Pittsburgh and Washington Coal Companies, also connected
with the Tradesman's Oil Company and the Meadow Lands Coal Company,
of which he is a director, as well as the Coal and Coke By-Products Company.
In politics Mr. Kent affiliates with the Republican party, while in his religious
faith he is a Catholic. He is connected with the following societies and clubs:
Pittsburg Council, No. 375, Knights of Columbus ; Duquesne Club ; Monon-
gahela Club ; Pittsburg Country Club ; Harkaway Hunt Club ; Keystone Club ;
Automobile Club ; Matinee Club, and is the colonel of the Republican Club.
He was united in marriage October 17, 1893, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
to Eleanor A. Lyons, of Pittsburg, the daughter of Dennis and Anna Lyons.
The father was connected with the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, and
served in the Civil war from 1861 to 1865 in the Union cause. Mrs. Kent
was educated at the public schools until about fourteen years of age, when she
entered Mount Mercy Academy, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The children born
of this union are: i. Raymond Lyons, born August 10, 1895. 2. John Ed-
ward, born February 18, 1897. 3. Herbert Richard, born October 3, 1899.
4. Eleanor Lyons, born June 5, 1901.
GORDON FISHER. Among the younger members of the legal fra-
ternity in Pittsburg is Gordon Fisher, born November 2, 1873, ^^ Swissvale,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, the second son of Rev. Samuel Jackson,
D. D., and Annie (Shreve) Fisher. On his father's side he descended from
Anthony Fisher, who came from England and settled in Dedham, Massachu-
setts, in 1637, and who became a member of the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company in 1644. One of his ancestors. Jonathan Fisher, was a
lieutenant in the American army under General Washington and died in 1777,
while in camp at Morristown, New Jersey. His great-grandfather, grand-
father and father were Presbyterian ministers and graduated respectively from
Williams, Yale and Hamilton colleges. The two were moderators of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, and his grandfather was for a
time president of Hamilton College. His father was for thirty-five years
pastor of the Presbyterian church at Swissvale, and for a number of years a
member of the faculty of the Pennsylvania College for women and president
of the Presbyterian Board of Missions to the Freedmen. One of his ancestors
was the Rev. John Davenport, the founder of New Haven, Connecticut, and
another was Colonel John Brinkerhoff, the host and friend of General Wash-
ington at Fishkill. New York, during the Revolutionary war, while another
was Philip Schuyler, the first mayor of Albany, New York, and uncle of the
general of the same name of Revolutionary fame. Among other direct paternal
ancestors he numbers Arent Schuyler, born in 1662. and was the first among
the English or Dutch to lead a hostile party from the province of New York
into Canada, and who was commissioned a captain in the war against the
Indians. Another was Abraham Davenport, who was a member of the Con-
necticut legislature in 1773. and whose action in the "Dark Day" incident has
been told in the poem by John G. Whittier which bears his name. Still
another was Dr. Cogswell, a surgeon of the Second Connecticut Regiment
during the Revolution, and who was a brother of Dr. M. F. Cogswell, the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 93
founder of the first asylum for deaf mutes in the world, at Hartford,
Connecticut.
On his mother's side Gordon Fisher, subject, is descended from Thomas
Shreve, who came from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts, about 1641.
His maternal grandfather, Ralph H. Shreve, was educated at West Point, was
at one time chairman of the Republican committee of New Jersey, and at the
time of his death was clerk of the United States district court of New Jersey.
Among Mr. Fisher's direct maternal ancestors was Caleb Shreve, who, during
a part of the Revolutionary war, was a member of the New Jersey legislature
and served on important committees for the prosecution of that war by appoint-
ment of the United States or Colonial government. Another was John Inskip,
a captain of the Second Gloucester (New Jersey) Battery during the
Revolution.
Gordon Fisher was prepared for college at Shadyside Academy, Pittsburg,
and was graduated from Princeton University in 1895, with the degree of
A. B. He studied law at the New York Law School, receiving the degree of
LL. B. from that institution in 1897, and was admitted to the bar of Allegheny
county in December of that year. Since then he has followed the practice of
law at that bar, and is now a member of the firm of Dalzell, Fisher & Hawkins.
He was united in marriage June 6, 1901, to Matilda Carothers Milligan,
a daughter of John W. Milligan, whose father, Robert Milligan, settled in
what was formerly Wilkins township during the early years of the last century
and whose family has lived in this county ever since.
"WILLIAM FRANKLIN AUGERMYER, who has been closely con-
nected with the business interests of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, for a great
number of years, and who resides at No. 7226 Mount Vernon street, in that
city, is a representative of a family which settled in the state of Pennsylvania
many years ago.
John Henry Augermyer, father of William Franklin Augermyer, was
born in Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, died in 1902. He
was a carpenter and cabinet maker by occupation. He married Susanna
Koonce, of Springfield, Ohio, and among their children was William Franklin,
of whom see forward.
William Franklin Augermyer, son of John Henry and Susanna (Koonce)
Augermyer, was born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December
25, 1864. His education was acquired in the public schools of his district, and
upon its completion he entered upon his business career. His first position was
in a dry goods and house furnishing store, where he remained for some time,
coming to East Liberty in 1888, as foreman in a hardware store. He retained
this position until 1896, when he removed to Homewood and established him-
self in the hardware business. His thorough knowledge and his excellent and
systematic methods have enabled him to build up a very satisfactory business,
which is constantly on the increase. He married Mary N. John, and has had
children: Frederick Leslie, born November 6, 1891, died in July, 1892. Henry
Cecil, born December 17, 1893. Mary Elizabeth, born April 19, 1903.
ALA.JOR WILLIAM MARSHALL McJUNKIN. Among the early
Scotch-Irish pioneers of western Pennsylvania was the well-known and always
94 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
highly esteemed Mcjunkin family, from which descended William M.
Mcjunkin, a present member of the Pittsburg bar. He was born in Plum
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1870, a son of James
and Mary Elizabeth (Carpenter) Mcjunkin.
The paternal great-grandfather, William Mcjunkin, came into and settled
in Plum township, Allegheny county, in 1788. He was of Scotch-Irish descent
and followed agriculture for a livelihood. His father, the great-great-grand-
father, was probably Robert Mcjunkin, who moved from Scotland to Ireland
about 1745, and about 1785 his son William married and with his family
emigrated to this country.
(I) William Mcjunkin, the great-grandfather, received a good common
school education in his native country and was of the Presbyterian faith. He
was an active member in the Plum Creek Presbyterian church in Allegheny
county. He assisted in building the original house of worship in that township.
It stood on one corner of his farm. He also built the first block-house in that
vicinity, a part of the remains of which can still be seen, and he with his
neighbors for many miles around took refuge there from the Indians. He
married in Ireland and had the following sons: i. William (subject's grand-
father). 2. David, who moved to Butler county, Pennsylvania, shortly after
1800 and became the ancestor of the Mcjunkin family of that portion of the
state. 3. James, who removed to Ohio, and later to the Shenandoah Valley,
Virginia, where that branch also became numerous.
(II) William Mcjunkin, the grandfather, married Mary Meaner. He
was an elder in the old Plum Creek Presbyterian church for many years. Their
children were ten in number, James, the subject's father, being one of the
youngest in the family.
(III) James Mcjunkin, son of William Mcjunkin (II) was born in Plum
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 5, 1824. He obtained' a
common school education, was a devout member of the Presbyterian church,
and in politics was a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He
served as school director and road supervisor for many years. He was an
elder in the Presbyterian church which his father and grandfather had been
connected with in the early days of that church in Allegheny county. He,
like his forefathers, is a tiller of the soil and an industrious citizen. He
married Mary Elizabeth Carpenter March 11, 1869, and by this union six
children were born, as follows: i. William Marshall, the subject of this
notice, of whom further mention is made. 2. Eleanor C. 3. Walter L. 4.
James. 5. Mary E. 6. Rebecca L.
Concerning Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Carpenter) Mcjunkin's ancestry it may
be said that she was born June 21, 1844, the daughter of Jeremiah Murrv and
Eleanor (McFadden) Carpenter. Her paternal ancestor in this country was
Heinrich Zimmerman, who came about 1698 from canton of Berne, Switzer-
land, and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, about 1703, bringing his
family with him. Of his six sons, five were surveyors and scriveners. The
father of this family was much more progressive and intelligent than his
average neighbor and educated his children in the English language and taught
them to become thoroughly American in their notions. As one evidence of his
advanced ideas, it may be stated that upon coming to this country he translated
his own name to conform to the English language, which changed it to Henry
Carpenter, which all of his descendants have followed. He married and had a
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 95
son named Daniel, who married and had a son named for himself and Daniel
second, had a son John, the father of Jeremiah AI. Carpenter, who was
father of Mrs. James Mcjunkin, mother of the subject. Jeremiah M. Car-
penter was born at what was later known as Hamilton's Mill. He had a good
education and followed teaching in his earlier years, but later became a farmer
and surveyor, and attended to the duties of a scrivener or drawer of contracts.
He was a Democrat and held the office of justice of the peace. He belonged
to the militia, and in church relations was a Presbyterian, being one of the
ruling elders in the old Plum Creek church. His wife was Eleanor, daughter
of James and Margaret (Stewart) McFadden, and a native of West Middle-
town, Washington county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of six
children, including Mrs. Alcjunkin.
(IV) William jMarshall Alcjunkin, son of James and Mary Elizabeth
(Carpenter) Mcjunkin, attended the common schools and later Grove City
College, graduating in 1896. He then began the study of law, being admitted
to the Allegheny county bar in January, 1900. He had five years' military
instruction in tactics, graduating with the rank of major, and at that time
received recommendations to the war department at Washington, District of
Columbia, for proficiency in military tactics. He played on the Grove City
foot-ball team for three years, and after coming to Pittsburg in 1896 was a
member of the Pittsburg Athletic Foot-ball Team for three years. His practice
has been chiefly confined to criminal law. He was assistant district attorney of
Allegheny county from September 15, 1906, to January 6, 1907.
Politically Major Alcjunkin is a Republican. In church connection, like
his ancestors on both sides, he is a Presbyterian. He is now a member of the
First Presbyterian church of Oakmont, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, with
which he united in October, 1905. but prior to that time belonged to the old
Plum Creek Presbyterian church, where he served as Sabbath-school superin-
tendent for five years, and as an elder in the church for six years, he being of
the fourth generation in his family to hold such office. He is at present elder
in the Oakmont church.
Mr. Mcjunkin belongs to Duquesne Lodge, No. 546, Free and Accepted
Masons; Pittsburg Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 268; Duquesne Oam-
mandery. Knights Templar, No. 72 ; and Pittsburg Consistory, Thirty-second
degree Masons.
He was united in marriage August 16, 1905, to Miss Jennie W. Wake-
field, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mcjunkin was a graduate of the Indiana
Normal School. Her grandfather. Rev. Samuel ^^^akefield, was for many
years a prominent IMethodist Episcopal minister in the Monongahela valley,
and was the author of many hymn books, a large number of which are still in
use in the service of the jNIethodist church.
LOUIS ALBERT ■\IEYRAN, one of the stirring, well-trained business
factors in various important producing industries in western Pennsylvania, is
the son of Charles and Sophia (Flowers) Meyran, and is a native of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, born June 23, 1859. On the paternal side he is of German
ancestry, his father being a native of the province of Hanover. His mother
was American born. The father. Charles Meyran, with valuable business fore-
sight became one of the earliest pioneers in the gas business of Pittsburg, and
96 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
in 1885 organized the Manufacturers' Gas Company, the prime object of which
was to convey the natural gas of certain wells flowing in Washington county,
Pennsvlvania, to the city of Pittsburg — a scheme which at that date was counted
as a wonderful engineering task. At the present time gas is piped into the
city from points more than one hundred miles distant, and the daily amount
furnished aggregates more than one hundred and twenty millions of cubic feet.
It was to this innovation that the Iron City owes much of its present-day
enterprise and wealth, as gas has been made to substitute coal for domestic and
manufacturing purposes to a large extent.
Louis Albert Meyran obtained his preparatory education in the excellent
public schools of his native city, and after taking a course in the Western
University of Pennsylvania he went abroad and studied for three years at the
leading college of Hanover, Germany, and was graduated therefrom in 1878.
His first business association was in the city of Chicago, where he was for a
time an iron and steel broker. In 1882 he became connected with the Canons-
burg Iron Company (limited), which later became the Canonsburg Iron &
Steel Company, of which he was both secretary and treasurer. He is also
vice-president of the Manufacturers' Light & Heat Company, having been
connected therewith from its earliest operations. He is vice-president of the
Germania Savings Bank of Pittsburg, organized l_y his father in i"j3. and
now one of the leading financial institutions in the city. He is also connected
with various other successful business operations. His success is almost phe-
nomenal, when one comes to know that he is but little past middle life. In the
great and shrewd commercial world he is well and favorably known for his
fair dealings and daring, progressive methods along legitimate business lines.
Being a native of Pittsburg, he has ever sought to do his part toward building
her interests up to a modern, high standard. Among the organizations with
which he is connected may be named the Engineers' Society of \\'estern
Pennsylvania and the "Technischer Verein."
In 1885 he married Miss Marie, daughter of Charles F. and Henrietta
Plerrosee. They have one son, Carl P., born September 27, 1891.
ROBERT CAMPBELL CLARKE, M. D. Among the foremost citizens
of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and one who has done much to advance the plans
for public improvement in that city is Dr. Robert Campbell Clarke, whose
elegant and commodious offices are located at No. 129 South Highland avenue.
He is descended from the Argyles of Scotland, who during the religious perse-
cutions in that country allowed some branches of the family to migrate to
Ireland, and it is from one of these that the Doctor traces his descent directly.
Andrew Clarke, father of Dr. Robert Campbell Clarke, was born in county
Derry, Ireland, where his early years were spent and where he was married.
He emigrated to the L^nited States in 1850, locating at Cochranton, Crawford
county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm and engaged in agriculture.
In this occupation he was very successful, and the homestead farm is still in
the family, now owned by one of his sons — Charles H, Andrew Clarke died
in Ireland in 1885 while on a visit to his native land. He married Mar\- Camp-
bell, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, who died on the home farm July 2,
1899. She was a niece of Colonel Robert Campbell, who was one of the prom-
inent characters of the western portion of the L^nited States in the early days.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 97
and was at one time Indian commissioner under President Grant. Washington
Irving has written of him extensively in his "Astoria." Andrew and Mary
(Campbell) Clarke had seven children, of whom four are now living: Mary
C, widow of Dr. John H. Devore, resides in Corry, Pennsylvania; Bessie,
unmarried, resides at Cochranton, Pennsylvania; Charles H., resides on the
home farm at Cochranton, Pennsylvania; and Robert Campbell, the particular
si'.bject of this sketch.
Robert Campbell Clarke, M. D., youngest surviving son of Andrew and
Mary (Campbell) Clarke, was born in Cochranton, Crawford county, Penn-
sylvania, April 7, 1855. His childhood and youth were spent upon the home
farm, and he acquired his early education in the district school. From the time
of his fourteenth year he commenced to educate himself, and so successful were
his efforts in this direction that in a short time he commenced to teach school.
This occupation he continued for three years and was also engaged in
reportorial work for the various country newspapers in the vicinity of his
home. He took up the study of" medicine in the spring of 1878 under the pre-
ceptorship of his brother-in-law, Dr. John H. Devore, of Union City, Penn-
sylvania. During the following fall he entered the medical department of the
University of Wooster, at Cleveland, Ohio, and was graduated from this
institution with honor in the class of 1881. He immediately commenced the
practice of his profession, locating in Columbus, Warren county, Pennsylvania,
where he obtained a large and lucrative patronage and where he remained for
a period of ten years. During this period, in 1889, he visited London,
England, and took a post-graduate course in the London Hospital. He took
another post-graduate course in the spring of 1891 in the New York Polyclinic,
and one year later removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where the reputation
of his skill and general competency had preceded him, and he was soon in the
possession of an enviable practice. He has the entire confidence of a large
circle of patients, and he is highly esteemed by his professional colleagues as
well. He is a man of extensive reading and is liberal minded in his views,
and is well known for his charities, although these acts are performed in the
most unostentatious manner. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and
is president of the school board of the Twentieth ward, having always taken an
active interest in all educational matters. He is a director of the Pittsburg Board
of Trade, and is surgeon of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, and examin-
ing physician of the Central Accident Insurance Company, of Pittsburg. He
is a member of the Sixth L'nited Presbyterian church, and is connected in
various capacities with the following organizations : The Allegheny County
Medical Societv ; the College of Physicians ; the Pennsylvania State ^ledical
Society ; the American Medical Association ; American Association of Railway
Surgeons; is a member of Hailman Lodge, No. 321, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Pittsburg ; Columbus Chapter, No. 200, Royal Arch Masons, of
Corry, Pennsylvania ; Duquesne Commandery, No. 72, Knights Templar, of
Pittsburg ; Pittsburg Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite : Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ; J. B. Nicholson
Lodge, No. 585, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He married, November 18, 1884, Cora A. Dean, daughter of Benjamin
DeaiT, of Columbus, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Clarke died April 26, 1899, in Denver,
Colorado, and is buried in Columbus, Pennsylvania.
98 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
JOHN MORROW ARNOLD, proprietor of the Hotel Lamont, at East
End, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, so well and favorably known in hotel, business
and social circles, was born August lo, 1849, i^ Washington county,
Pennsylvania, son of Robert and Rachel (Morrow) Arnold.
(I) John Arnold, the great-grandfather, was born in Lancaster county,
this state, and lived to the advanced age of one hundred years. He died in
the county of his birth and was buried in the Dutch' burying-ground with
military honors, he having served in the Revolutionary war. Among his chil-
dren was a son, Joseph, who moved to Kentucky and engaged in the horse
business in the famous blue grass district. Another son was John, the subject's
grandfather.
(H) John Arnold, son of John (I), was a native of Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, and died in the forties. He married Miss Elizabeth J\IcMillen,
a lady of Scotch descent. He was in politics a Democrat and in his religious
faith a Seceder in the Presbyterian church. He was buried at the Cross-roads
cemetery in Washington county, Pennsylvania. The issue of John and Eliza-
beth (McMillen) Arnold, was eleven children, including the subject's father,
and were: 'Levi, Simon, Henry, Robert, Nancy, John, Sarah, Elizabeth, Ann,
Wilson and Joseph.
(HI) Robert Arnold, son of John Arnold (H) and wife was born in
Washington county, Pennsjlvania, April 21, 1820, and died April 26, 1886, at
Houston, Washington county. He learned the blacksmith's trade and later
engaged in merchandising, first in his native county and subsequently in Pitts-
burg. He finally retired to his old home in Washington county, where he died.
He was a supporter of the Democratic party and a member of the United
Presbyterian church. He belonged to the old-fashioned militia and often
related his exciting experiences at training-day and muster times. He married
Rachel, daughter of John and Rachel Morrow. His wife was of the following
family of sons and daughters: Elizabeth,, William, John, Nancy, Mary, Rachel.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnold were the parents of the following five sons :
Plenry Hagen, John Morrow (subject), Robert Watson, James Stevens and
William Simon.
(IV) John M. Arnold, second son of Robert and Rachel (Morrow)
Arnold, was born August 10, 1849. He attended school in Washington, Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania, and graduated from that most excellent commer-
cial school, Dufif's Commercial College, Pittsburg, in 1868. He then took up
the profession of bookkeeper, being thus employed for a time at the Hope
Cotton Mills, Allegheny City, and at other places until he went to New Castle,
Pennsylvania, as the treasurer of the New Castle Sheet Mills. Later he was
employed by the firm of W. H. Brown, Pittsburg, dealers in coal and coke,
and was thus connected for twenty-five years, and through this relation was
placed in charge as general manager of the Monongahela House — an old
landmark of the city. He remained there as long as Captain Brown held the
property, which was from 1891 to 1900, after which he came to the East End
and leased the Hotel Lamont, a hotel with one hundred rooms, of which he
is still the proprietor and which is carefully and successfully operated. This
building consists of the main structure and two spacious annexes.
Mr. Arnold has never aspired to public ofifice, but served at one time many
years ago as school director in the Twenty-third ward of Pittsburg. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been in various church
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
offices, including that of member and president of the board of trustees of the
Smithfield Methodist church, and also served as a Sunday-school teacher for
a number of years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being connected
with the degrees to the thirty-second, with the Knight Templars and the Mystic
Shrine. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum order.
Mr. Arnold was united in marriage July ii, 1872, to Kate G. Loor, of
Greensburg, the daughter of John and Catherine (Getzendanner) Loor.
JOHN H. DAVIES, deceased, who in his lifetime was among the honored
and influential men of Greater Pittsburg, was born September 5, 1835, in
Wales, and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1902'. He was a
son of Howell and Elizabeth (Lewis) Davies.
Howell Davies, the father, was born in Wales in 1814, and died in Pitts-
burg in 1905, aged ninety-one .years. He was a stationary engineer by
occupation. He came to America, accompanied by his wife and children, in
1842. He was a member of the Welsh Baptist church (Chattam Street
Branch). He served in the LTnion cause during the Civil war in the commis-
sary department, and politically was a staunch Republican. His wife, Elizabeth,
died at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of eight children, as
follows: I. Anna, deceased, married William Jones, and was the mother of
seven children; she died about 1871. The family resided in Covington, Ken-
tucky. 2. John H., subject of this memoir. 3. Margaret, married Thomas
Williams, and they became the parents of three children ; this family resides in
Philadelphia. 4. Howell, Jr., deceased, was a lieutenant under Captain Benja-
min Morgan in the Civil war, and was killed at the battle of Peach Orchard,
Georgia. He was unmarried. 5. Elizabeth, died unmarried. 6. Thomas,
deceased, served all through the Civil war in a cavalry regiment. He married
and reared a family. 7. Sarah O., married Thomas Davies, a prominent
merchant of Philadelphia — no issue by this union. 8. Mary, unmarried, lives
in Philadelphia.
John H. Davies, subject, was but seven years of age when his parents came
to America. He received his education at the public schools of Pittsburg, but
was somewhat limited on account of his having to go to work at a very young
age in order to support himself. When but nine years old he went to work as
best he could in the iron works of Everson & Preston. He took up the various
branches of the rolling mill department, and when less than twenty years of
age was a master "roller," and very competent at that line of iron working.
Subsequently he worked in the iron mill of Brown & Company, and later
entered the employ of D. B. Oliver & Company, where he put in the foundation
and equipped the rolling mill department of those great works. Later he became
a member of the Lewis Foundry and Machine Company, being connected there-
with for a period of thirty-five years. He also held an interest in the Thomas
Evans & Company Glass Works of the South Side, Pittsburg. He was
variously connected with financial institutions, including the largest stockholder
of the Iron and Glass Dollar Savings Bank, of South Pittsburg, and was one
of the directors of the same. He was interested in the South Side Street Rail-
way Company. He was an honored resident of the South Side for over forty-
five years. In his political affiliations he was a staunch Republican, and was
of the Baptist church faith. He contributed largely of his means to the church
loo A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
and charitable objects. He was much devoted to his family and home, where,
outside of his business hours, he could always be found. In his death the city
lost one of its most highly esteemed citizens.
He married, February 26, 1867, Rev. Gray, pastor of the Orchard Street
church officiating, Miss Jane Harris, daughter of Thomas D. and Sarah
(Jenkins) Harris. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, December 11,
1842. Mr. and Mrs. Davies were the parents of the following eight children:
I. Charles H., born in South Pittsburg, November 2t,, 1867, now a teller in
the Iron and Glass Dollar Savings Bank, of the South Side; he married Fannie
Carless and they are the parents of four children — Viola, Howard and Made-
line (twins), and Helen J. 2. Margaret J., born September 24, 1869; married
Edmond Wenzell, of Pittsburg, and they have children — Helen J., Alfred and
Sarah. 3. Thomas D., born May 7, 1871, now a resident of Duquesne, Penn-
sylvania ; married Eulalia Happenny, whose child is Edward. 4. John W.,
born May 30, 1873, now of the firm of the Lewis Foundry and Machine Com-
pany, at Groveton, Pennsylvania. 5. Howell C, born July 6, 1875, now a
practicing physician at Youngstown, Ohio ; he married Elizabeth Tarr, and
their issue is one son, Howell, Jr. 6. Sarah E., born October 2, 1877, at home.
7. Harry M., born March G, 1880, of Pittsburg, with the Cheat River Eumber
Company; he married Miss Bessie Richardson. 8. William B., born March 8,
1884, now (1907) attending the Lehigh L'niversity at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Jane (Harris) Davies comes of a family with a remarkable history.
Thomas D. Harris, the father, was born m Wales and there learned the mason's
trade, following it in his native land. When twenty years of age he married
and came to America, locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he at once
found a demand for skilled workmanship in his line. Here he built many of
the first iron furnaces, and in 1853 went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where
he also constructed the first iron furnaces and remained until 1855, when he
removed to Tennessee and located with his family. There he engaged in the
iron and steel business and operated a foundry. When the Civil war broke
out, being loyal to the LTnion, he lost all of his property. His plant was con-
fiscated and removed to Knoxville, where it was used by the Confederate
states for making munitions of war. He was one of fifty men who were com-
pelled to flee from the country in which he lived on account of his politics, he
being a Republican. Mrs. Davies, who was his eldest child, relates a very
interesting account of what the family had to pass through in those dark days
of rebellion. She was then but a mere girl, and tells now of being present when
the rebels came with a rope to hang her father, but he fortunatelv made his
escape with Governor Andrew Johnson, paying a man a goodlv sum of money
to let him through to the L'nion lines. He traveled many miles through a
wilderness and over the mountains, leaving blood in his tracks from his feet
after his shoes had worn through. He was sent to his old home at Pittsburg,
and knowing that his family had plenty of means for immediate use he sought
and found work in Pittsburg, but the separation from his family caused him
great mental affliction, and grief preyed upon his mind until he determined to
go south and try and rescue his family, who by the way, were not illy treated
by the Confederates. They simply would not tolerate a man of his political
type. They remained for a time at Louden, Tennessee, but later were driven
from that place, and finally taken to Knoxville, where they went before the
provost marshal and were declared prisoners of war. Mrs. Davies (then the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE loi
eldest of the children) obtained a letter from General Bushrod Johnson and
presented the same to General Robert E. Lee, of the Confederate forces, who
sent the family, consisting of mother, three daughters and one son, to pass
through from Libby Island, near Richmond, by boat to Annapolis, Maryland,
where they were exchanged for Union prisoners of war, and then sent to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. During all this time Mr. Harris was at Pittsburg,
working at his trade and unable to get back south or to hear from his family,
although they could hear from him. Finally he gave up work at his trade and
decided to go anyhow, be the result what it might, hazardous though he knew
the undertaking to be, and strange to relate, perhaps an act of Providence,
upon his going to the Union station, to take the train for the southland in
search of his family, who should meet and greet him there but his family, who
chanced to be in the station, having arrived but a short time before and were
making some inquiries regarding him. The scene along the streets coming up
Penn avenue from the station was one never to be forgotten by those who
witnessed it : The family were well clad, but of the southern styles and colors,
and the children and youth of Pittsburg knowing they were from the south,
made much sport of their appearance, and put them to great shame, not know-
ing the sequel to their wanderings since last they were united as one family.
After this meeting Mr. Harris managed the iron plant of Bennett &
Company for many years, after which he lead a retired life. He usually resided
in Bayardstown, as then known, and was a deacon of Chattam Street Baptist
church, having helped to erect the edifice and which subsequently contained a
memorial window placed there to his memory. He was a staunch, uncom-
promising Republican, and served on the school board for nine years. He was
a member of the Odd Fellows order. He died aged seventy-one years, and
his faithful wife died at the age of eighty-six years. Their children were as
follows : Jane, who married John H. Davies of this sketch. Adaline, wife of
Rev. R. W. Davies, of Plymouth, Pennsylvania. Sarah, wife of Charles H.
Phillips, of Pittsburg, the mother of two children — Agnes and Charles.
Charlotte, wife of Thomas McClelland, of Allegheny City. Charles H.,
deceased at the age of six years.
WILLIAM JAMES McMARLIN, treasurer and secretary of the Ex-
panded Aletal Fireproofing Company, of Pittsburg, is a son of James A. and
Emeline (Duncan) McMarlin, and was born in Mars, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, March 23, 1872. Among the many clans of Scotland none have a
more ancient or a more honorable record than the McMarlins, who trace back
manv centuries in the history of their original country. The head of the Ameri-
can branch of this family came to this country from the north of Ireland and
settled in Pennsvlvania, where the descendants have been both prosperous and
numerous, as well as prominent in professional, business and public life. The
lineage of the subject is as follows :
(I) William McMarlin, a native of Tyrone, Ireland, was born in 1753
and coming to our shores, settled on the banks of the Susquehanna river, near
the site of the present city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1843.
(II) William McMarlin, son of the American ancestor, William (I),
was bom near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in October, 1798, and was reared on
his father's farm. He was educated in the pioneer subscription schools and
102 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
married Magdalena Burkhart, daughter of Jacob Burkhart and wife, of Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania. In 1822 he purchased a farm consisting of one
hundred and thirty-three acres in Adams township, which tract he cleared from
out the dense forests and made him an excellent as well as valuable farm-
home. They were the parents of eight children, one of whom was James A.,
who became the father of the subject. In early life William McMarlin was a
Covenanter in his religious faith, but later united with the Presbyterian church
and held the office of an elder in that denomination for more than thirty years.
Politically he first voted with the Whig party and later with the Republican
party, which followed it into power. He died at Tally Cove in October, 1883.
(III) James A. McMarlin, son of William (II), was born March 17,
1837, and was reared and educated in Butler county, Pennsylvania. He enlisted
in 1861, when Lincoln made his first call for men to suppress the Rebellion, and
was a member of Company A, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, Captain William
Williams commanding. He served the six months' term of his enlistment, was
honorably discharged and then re-enlisted in Battery L, Second Pennsylvania
Artillery, Captain Paul Jones commanding. He participated in the memorable
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna, Bethesda,
Fort Harrison, and was at Lee's surrender at Appomattox. He received his
final discharge Februan,' 11, 1866. and returned to his home in Butler county,
Pennsylvania. He was a staunch Republican in politics, and held numerous
local offices, including township positions, and in 1884 was elected treasurer of
Butler county. He and his wife were members of the Cfnited Presbyterian
church.
He married, October 3, 1864, Miss Emeline, daughter of Samuel and
Rebecca (Caldwell) Duncan. Their children are: i. Grant, deceased; 2. John
G. ; 3. William J. ; 4. Harry S.. deceased ; 5. Jacob S. ; 6. Bertha P.
(IV) William James McMarlin, son of James A. and Emeline (Duncan)
McMarlin (III), was educated in the public and high schools of his native
place and from his sixteenth to his twentieth year was associated with his father
in oil production in Western Pennsylvania, and there gained a thorough
knowledge of the business. Later he found ready employment with J. G. and
W. Campbell, then engaged in the oil-well supply and foundry business, and
after five years of close attention he was master of that business. Thus well
equipped for practical business life he determined to seek a wider field for his
operations, and in 1897 made his way to Pittsburg, where he took the manage-
ment of the Expanded Metal Fireproofing Company, an enterprise which sup-
plies material and puts in place high grade, concrete-steel fireproofing for
floors, roofs, columns, partitions and outside walls. They are the only concern
in Pittsburg doing this special kind of builders' work. That Mr. McMarlin
was well calculated for the line which he was called to is attested by the fact
that during the years he has conducted the business the establishment has more
than increased tenfold, growing from fifty thousand dollars a year to more than
that amount a month.
In addition to this branch of industry, Mr. McMarlin is the vice-president
and director of the Merchants and Manufacturers Paper Company, and treas-
urer of the McDowell Manufacturing Company of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
By his indomitable energy and concentrated effort he has attained to a marked
business success in his career and, should he be spared, has yet a greater field
before him.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 103
He is a lover of outdoor sports and frequently finds a needed diversion
from business routine by fishing-, enjoying the ball ground and watching a fair,
spirited horse race. He belongs to the Union, Bellfield and German Clubs of
Pittsburg and is a thirty-second degree Mason, having taken the numerous
degrees in that fraternity, and is a member of the Mystic Shriners.
He was married to Miss Olive Logan, daughter of Harold A. and Louise
(Logan) Price, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1894. Their children
are: Eleanor Phyllis, born September 11, 1895, and Gladys Louise, born
November 14, 1896.
JACOB KATES RUSSELL, a resident of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and road foreman of engines on the Pittsburg Division
of the Pennsylvania Railroad, traces his ancestry to Ireland.
John Russell, grandfather of Jacob Kates Russell, was born in Ireland,
and emigrated to the United States about the year 1804. He settled in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, where he married Rebecca Seymore, November 28,
1805. She was born March 27, 1789, and died April. 8, 1880, a descendant of
the early Swedish settlers on the Delaware in Pennsylvania. They had one
son : John George.
John George Russell was born in Philadelphia, October 19, 1806, and died
June 9, 1845. He received his education in the common schools of his native
city, and was apprenticed to learn the trade of bookbinding. Later he estab-
lished himself in that business, forming a partnership with Captain Jacob
Kates.
They were the first to introduce the use of machinery in the bookbinding
business in Philadelphia, and at that time it was thought to be an impossibility
to utilize machines in this line of industry. During the Catholic riots in Phila-
delphia he served as an officer in the militia organized to quell the disturbances.
In politics he was a Whig, and was a vestryman in Trinity Protestant Episcopal
Church in the district of Southwark, Philadelphia. He married, January 3,
1830, Isabella Collison. She was born October 14, 1809, and they had children:
I. William, born November 19, 1830. 2. Isabella, born January 6, 1832; mar-
ried Edward C. Richardson, November 8, 1853, and died June 11, 1888. 3.
George, born September 29, 1833, died the following day. 4. John G., born
January 13, 1835, died July 2, 1837. 5. Mary Ann, born October 23, 1836, mar-
ried May 12, 1857, Dr. Samuel Neeper, and died July 12, 1875. 6. Jacob Kates,
see forward. 7. Garey Hart, bom March 17, 1841, married SeptemlDer 13, 1868,
Cecelia Gabrima O'Connell. 8. George W., born February 24, 1842, married
October 27, 1867, Sarah Ann Widensall. 9. Peter Rodgers. born November 17,
1844, married February i, 1866, Eliza Meris, and died March 8, 1867.
Jacob Kates Russell, fourth son and sixth child of John George and Isa-
bella (Collison) Russell, was born in Philadelphia. November 28, 1838. His
education was acquired in the public schools of Lancaster county and city, and
in White Hall Academy in the Cumberland valley. He entered the machine
shop of Miller & Fellenbaum, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as an apprentice in
1855. After serving there two years he entered the employ of the Peimsylvania
Railroad Company in the shops at Altoona as a machine apprentice. He
engaged in the same shops as a journeyman in April, 1857, working as such
until May, 1861, when he was advanced to the position of locomotive fireman
I04 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of the Pittsburg Division. In September of the same year he was further
advanced to the position of machine gang- leader at the Pittsburg Division
engine house. He was appointed an engineman in April of the following year,
in which capacity he served on the Pittsburg', Tyrone and Middle divisions
until April, 1874, when he was made engine-house foreman at Altoona, a posi-
tion he held four years, when he was appointed to his present responsible posi-
tion. He removed to Wilkinsburg in 1902, where he now resides. His politi-
cal affiliations are with the Republican party and he is a member of the Presby-
terian church. Hie has been a deacon and elder in that church since 1870.
On September 20, 1864, Mr. Russell married Ellen Rebecca Ward,
daughter of John Ward. She died October 8, 1874. On June 24, 1880, he
married Jennie Montgomery Campbell, daughter of John Gemmill, and has had
children : Rose Montgomery and John Kates. The latter, born November 22,
1885, died December 27, 1892.
GENEALOGY OF THE NEGLEY FAAHLY. (Compiled by Georgina
G. Negley, of 305 North Negley avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.) The
Negley family is descended from John Nageli, of Canton Berne, Switzerland,
co-temporary and fellow worker with Zwingli, with whom he went from
Switzerland into Germany in the Sixteenth century, preaching the Reformation.
The original Swiss spelling of the name "Nageli" still maintains with the Swiss
branch of the family, was first modified to Naegly, and a century since to its
present Anglicized form — Negley. The Swiss name has a floral signification,
meaning "a little pink," and the crest used by one branch of the Swiss family
in modern times presents the carnation as its distinguishing feature. The
name is beloved by the Swiss, as also by the Germans, through their devotion
to Hans George Nageli, the illustrious composer, lecturer and author of
valuable works on music, member of congress and simultaneously president of
the Swiss Association of Music. He was born in the canton of Zurich, May
26, 1768, and died in Zurich December, 1836. He is affectionately known as
"bater Nageli," "Father of the folk songs of Switzerland," and founder of
choral societies.
Another illustrious member of the Swiss family was Carl Wilhelm Nageli,
naturalist, born in 1817 near Zurich, professor of botany at Zurich and later
at Munich. He opened new fields in all branches of botany and was the author
of a large number of master works on this science. A German branch of the
family has long been identified with Heidelberg, Professor Nageli having occu-
pied with distinction the chair of medicine in Heidelberg University, in which
office he succeeded his illustrious father-in-law, Professor Mai, a great-uncle
of Mrs. Matthew B. Riddle, of Allegheny.
(I) Jacob Negley, descendant of the John Negley of Switzerland, and
father of the founder of East Liberty, Pennsylvania, born at Frankfort-on-the-
Main, Germany, sailed with his wife and children in 1739 for America; died
on voyage and was buried at sea.
(H) Alexander Negley. son of Jacob Negley, was born in Frankfort,
Germanv, in 1734: came to .\merica in 1739, when the family located in eastern
Pennsylvania. In 1778 Alexander settled within five miles of Fort Pitt, on
the present site of Highland Park, where he died November 3, 1809. He was
the first white settler in the East Liberty valley; served his country in the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 105
Revolutionary war, and was largely instrumental in building the first church
erected in Pittsburg. He married, in 1762, Mary Ann Berkstresser, who died
in 1829. Their children were: i. Felix, born September 22, 1764, died April
19, 1836. 2^'jacob3_ born August 28, 1766, died March 18, 1826. 3. Peter,
died in infancy, 1768. 4. EIizaT5eth, born February' 15, 1772, died November
15, 1855; she married John Powell and was the mother of eight children. 5.
Peter, born February 6. 1774, died 1791. 6. Margaret, born June 10, 1776,
died March 11, 1857; married Phillip Burtner and they had ten children. 7.
John, born April 6, 1778, died August 11, 1870. 8. Alexander, born August
I, 1781, died August 2, 1807. 9. Casper, born March 17, 1784, died May 23,
1877. 10. Mary Ann, born August 20, 1786, died December 4, 1833; married
Samuel Byington and they had four children. 11. Henry, born October 20,
1790, died 1791.
(HI) Felix Negley, son of Alexander Negley. born September 22, 1764,
served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war ; married Ruth Horton. Mav 28,
1800. He died April 19, 1836. an'd his wife in 1873 ; they resided at Tarentum,
Pennsylvania. Their children were: i. Alexander, born March 17, 1802,
died January 25, 1806. 2. Thomas, born August 2, 1803, died January 10,
1804. 3. Mary, born February 8, 1805, died December 25, 1886; married
James Humes and they were the parents of thirteen children. 4. Felix, born
November 24, 1806, died April 11, 1852. 5. Margaret, born September 13,
1808, died July 2, 1892; married Robert Hare, and they were the parents of
eleven children. 6. Ruth, born April 10, 1810, died June 10, 1882; married
Dr. J. H. Goodwin and was the mother of nine children. 7. Elizabeth, born
February 2, 1812, deceased: married P. N. McDowell, and they had three
children. 8. Barbara, born August 8, 1813, died June 3, i860; married Leslie
Jack and they had five children. 9. Rebecca, born June 3, 1815, died March
19, 1896; married Hugh Lessley and they had fifteen children. 10. Fanny, born
May 3, 1817, died October 29, 1884; married S. N. Christy and had three chil-
dren. II. Jane, born March 11, 1819; married George Lessley and they had
eight children. 12. Eleanor, born January 20, 1821. 13. Catherine, born
October 17, 1822; married James Lacey and they had eight children. 14.
Nancy, born May 27, 1824, died August 18, 1839.
(HI) John Negley, son of Alexander and Alary Ann (Berkstresser) Neg-
ley, was born in Fort Ligonier, April 6, 1778 : married Anna Elizabeth Patterson
June I, 1816. He died August 11, 1870, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and she died
in August, 1835. Their children were: i. Mary Berkstresser, born May 29,
1817, died in Butler, August, 1905 ; she married John G. Muntz and they were
the parents of five children. 2. Elizabeth Hull, born January 10, 1819, died
August 17, 1835. 3. Susannah, born February 13, 1821, married Joseph P.
Patterson. 4. John Henry, born February 7, 1823. 5. Felix Casper, born
February 28, 1825, died in Pittsburg October 5, 1901. 6. Minerva, born Feb-
ruary 6, 1827; married Samuel Haseltine, and they had four children. 7.
James Alexander, born April 3, 1829: married Elizabeth Mytinger, and they
had six children. Residence, Philadelphia. 8. Anna iMcClain, born January
26, 1831, died February 28, 1831. 9. \\'illiam Clark, born February 21, 1833,
died September 17, 1850. 10. Albert Gallatin, born February 22, 1835: married
Elenora Reynolds and had five children : residence, Florence, Alabama.
(IV) John Henry Negley, son of John and Ann Elizabeth (Patterson)
Negley, was born February 7, 1823, is still an honored resident of Butler,
io6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Pennsylvania, which district he represented in the Pennsylvania legislature for
many years. He has also been prominent in editorial life. He married Mary
Harper and to them were born ten children, five of whom still survive.
(IV) Major Felix Casper Negley, son of John and Ann Elizabeth (Pat-
tersen) Negley, born February 28, 1825, died in Pittsburg October 5, 1901,
where he had long been an honored resident. He was identified with the coal
interests of Pittsburg. He served his country in the Mexican and Civil wars
and was one of that party who in 1849 braved the hardships and dangers of
the west in pursuit of gold in California. The Negley family are indebted to
Major Negley for his faithful efforts to preserve the genealogy of the family,
and to his record the present compiler is largely indebted. He married Mar-
garet Ann Dickson, who resides in Edgewood, Pennsylvania. Their children
are as follows: i. John Dickson, married Isabella Scully; resides in East
Orange, New Jersey, and has six children. 2. Mary Elizabeth, married John
5. Scully, resides in Pittsburg; have four children. 3. William Alexander died
in infancy. 4. Margaret Brown, married William \V. Ramsey, resides in Idle-
wood, Pennsylvania; has four children. 5. Rachel Blair, died in childhood.
6. Minerva Susan, resides in Edgewood. 7. Felix Casper, married Mary S.
Appleton, resides in Butler, Pennsylvania, and has four children. 8. Jessie
Patterson, married Joseph Mitchell ; has two children. 9. Henry Hull, who
married Annie St. Claire Williamson, and they have one child, Ronold Dickson
Negley. 10. Anna Scott, married George M. Schmidt, resides in Edgewood.
II. William George, married Martha I. Thomas, and their son is Paul Thomas
Negley, and the father is practicing law in Pittsburg. 12. Alice Keziah,
resides in Edgewood.
(Ill) Alexander Negley, son of Alexander, Sr., founder of East Liberty,
was born August i, 1781, married Mary Miller about 1803. He died xA.ugust
2, 1807. The children born of this union were: i. Peter, born about 1804.
2. Mary, born about 1806. Both of the last named went west.
(Ill) Casper Negley, son of Alexander, Sr., born March 17, 1784, was
twice married. First to Elizabeth Fluke, November 6, 1823. She died May 20,
1844. The children of this union were: i. Mary Ann, born June 11, 1824,
married Aaron Reimer — they had eleven children. 2. John Fluke, born Feb-
ruary 28, 1826, married Virginia Schuchman, and had eight children. ^.
Alexander William, born August 19, 1827, twice married — to Mary Ann
Mohler, who died January 18, 1848; they had four children. For his second
wife he married Eliza Jane Ashbaugh, by whom were born ten children. 4.
George B., born April 2, 1830, died in the west September 4, 1854. 5. C.
Madaline F., born October 30, 1832, married David Moehler, by whom he had
two children. He died in 1852 and she died December 19, 1855. 6. Felix
Henry, born May 24, 1833, married Mary Ann Simons, and they had six chil-
dren. She died in 1897. 7. Jacob Lewis, born August 13, 1835, married Kate
Joyce and they had nine children. 8. Casper Samuel, born August 2, 1838,
married Sarah Jane Bunting, by whom were born six children. 9. Daniel
Frederick, born December 28, 1839, married Mary N. Coleman, and to them
were born six children. She died June 25, 1877, after which he married again.
For his second wife Ca.sper Negley (III) married Mary Magee, who "died
December 16, 1863. He died May 23, 1877.
(Ill) Jacob Negley, Sr., who laid out the town of East Liberty, and for
BARBARA A. NEGLEY.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 107
whom the avenue on which he resided is named, was the second son of
Alexander Negley, Sr., and was born August 28, 1766, in Bucks county,
Pennsylvania, coming with his parents to East Liberty in 1778, when but
twelve years of age. His descendants have to a greater extent than any other
branch of Alexander Negley's family remamed in Pittsburg, where many of
them have proven themselves important factors, especially so in the molding
of the religious and educational life of the city. His great landed interests,
to which were added his wife's large real estate holdings, together with
superior judgment and acumen, made him a recognized power of his day in
this vicinity, where, in 1816, he built the first steam flouring mill west of the
Allegheny mountains. His appreciation of the future importance of Pittsburg
is shown in the fact that he laid out Penn avenue one hundred feet wide as far
as it passed through his own and his wife's domains, which is now the business
center of East Liberty. He endeavored to have that width continue into the
city, but was unable to convince the other property holders of the wisdom of
his proposition.
June 19, 1795, Mr. Negley married Barbara Anna, daughter of John
Conrad Winebiddle. She was born in Pittsburg September 15, 1778, and died
May 10, 1867. Mr. Negley died March 18, 1826. During the forty-one years
of her widowhood, as well as in earlier life, Mrs. Negley proved herself a
woman of rare graces of character, as well as superior executive ability.
Among her many beneficences stands out prominently the beautiful site of the"
East Liberty Presbyterian church, and its rich-toned bell, which, since 1867,'
has been pealing forth an invitation to the House of God. The remains of
Jacob and Barbara Negley are interred in their family lot in the beautiful
Allegheny cemetery. The children born to this worthy couple were as follows :
I. John, born June 28, 1796, died February' 20, 1802. 2. Elizabeth, born June
23, 1798, died November 11, 1799. 3. Jacob, born February 16, 1800, died
January 30, 1830. 4. Daniel, born April 10, 1802, died December 4, 1867^ 5.
M^ary Ann, born October 4, 1805, died in October, 1829; married Daniel Berlin
and had two children, one dying in infancy. 6. George Gibson, born April
27, 1808, died March 26, 1884. 7. Catharine R., born February 13, 1810, died
August II, 1897. 8. Margaret, born February 7, 1812, died May 3, 1815. 9.
William, born June 25, 1814, died September 14, 1816. 10. Sarah Jane, born
February 3, 1817. 11. Alexander, born March 2, 1819, died February 12,
1864. 12. Isabella M., born October 25, 1821, died March 3, 1849; married
Richard C. Beatty, M. D. ; they had three children.
(IV) Jacob Negley, Jr., son of Jacob Negley, Sr., was born June 28,
1796, died January 30, 1830; married Mary Ann Scott December 20, 1824.
Their residence was at the head of North Negley avenue, which property
was inherited and named '"Baywood" by their son, Major-General James S.
Negley, the site later purchased by Alexander King. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Jacob Negley, Jr., were as follows: i. James Scott, born December 22,
1826, died August 7, 1901. 2. Rebecca, born June 20, 1828, died July 9, 1847.
(IV) Daniel Negley, son of Jacob Negley, Sr., was a merchant in East
Liberty for many years, and had his homestead on Stanton avenue, near
Highland avenue. He was twice married, in 1824 to Jane Backhouse, who
died about 1832. The issue by this marriage was: i. John Roup, born 1824,
deceased. 2. William B., born June 5, 1828, died January 16, 1894. 3. James
io8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Ross, was killed at the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky, in the Union army,
1862. Daniel Negley later married Keziah P. Cox, born June 9, 1813, died
January 15, 1892. He died December 4, 1867. The children by his second
marriage were: i. Anna Barbara, married Charles B. Seely, who died August
2, 1861, the mother of two children. 2. Keziah Jane, married Major Oliver
M. Irwin; she died May i, 1857. 3. Kate R., married Joseph H. Hill. She
died July 29, 1869. 4. Edward Cox. 5. Robert Heberton. 6. Sallie Ella,
who married Dr. David McMasters. She died on October 10, 1874.
7. Daniel Charles.
(V) John Roup Negley, son of Daniel Negley (IV), born 1824, deceased,
was a merchant in the East End of Pittsburg for many years, retiring from
active life about two years prior to his death. He was a leading member in
the East End Presbyterian church and a leader in the choir for many years.
He married Caroline B. Newton, still living (1907) at Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
Their seven children, who grew to maturity, were as follows: i. Orrin New-
ton Negley, residing at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 2. Daniel N. Negley,
deceased. 3. Richard B. Negley, now residing in California. 4. Kesiah J.,
who married George Senft, of Ligonier. 5. William Ross Negley, a real
estate dealer in Pittsburg, who married Tillie ]\I. Garby, and their issue is —
William Earl, born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania; Vida Clare and Johanna
B. 6. Frank Negley, a resident of California. 7. Annie D., who married J.
W. Sloan of Pittsburg and is now deceased.
(V) Major William B. Negley, son of Daniel Negley, by his first wife,
was a prominent lawyer and closely identified with the growth of Pittsburg.
Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he was a zealous worker toward
the ecclesiastical up-building of the city, being one of the organizers and ardent
workers in the Shady Side Presbyterian church, when it was formed from the
mother church. East Liberty Presbyterian church. Major Negley was born
June 5, 1828; married Joanna Bruce, and died January 16, 1894.
(V) Colonel Edward C. Negley, son of Daniel Negley, was educated at
Keating Academy and at Jefferson College, where he studied law. At the open-
ing of the Civil war he forsook his studies and joined the LTnion army, enlisting
in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer .Artillerw He
served in all twenty-three months. He was with the Army of the Potomac
and participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville and Fredericks-
burg. His last service was in the First Independent Brigade, holding Sher-
man's line of communications. He enlisted as a private, but left the service as
first lieutenant. Upon his return from the army he engaged in the grocerv
business at East Liberty, continuing until 1868, when he applied for and soon
received the appointment for a clerkship in the Pittsburg postoffice. In 1873,
under President U. S. Grant, he was appointed postmaster at Pittsburg and
held the office until 1877, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Allegheny
county. Later he was assistant and finally secretary of the department of
charities for the city. In i8go he was elected alderman from the Nineteenth
ward of the city and is the present incumbent, having been reelected four times.
In 1902 he was appointed police magistrate under Mayor Brown. This he
held eleven months and again, in 1903, was made police magistrate. Politically
Mr. Negley has always been a supporter of the Republican party. He is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and is the commander of Post No.
117, at Pittsburg.
I
■f<i^^'i>f<^%}^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 109
He married Rebecca J-, daughter of William Crawford. Her father
was formerly of the firm of Schnellenburger & Company. The children born
of this union are: i. Jennie Lafevere. 2. Katie Edna, married E. M. Gerst
and is the mother of Rebecca Negley Gerst. Robert Heberton, who married
Beatrice Wright.
(V) Robert Heberton Negley, son of Daniel Negley by his second mar-
riage, for many years a business man of Pittsburg, married Annie M. Hugus,
and they reside on South Negley avenue. Their children are : Paul Hugus,
married Gertrude Hanna, and Edward Cox. The last named married Sarah
Gerst and they have two children, Anna Priscilla and Eugenie Elizabeth.
(\') Daniel Charles, son of Daniel Negley by the last marriage, is con-
nected with the insurance business of the city. He married Lily B. Berry
and resides in Pittsburg. They have one child, Clara L., who married George
H. Flinn, and has two children — Louise and George H., Jr.
(IV) Alexander Negley, son of Jacob Negley, Sr., was a favorite char-
acter of his day in East Liberty. ]\larch 2, 1819, he was born in and occupied
imtil death the Negley mansion, corner North Negley and Stanton avenues.
He married Sophia Mcllvaine, and died February 12, 1864. Their children
were : Alexander and Elizabeth, but both died in childhood.
(TV) Catharine R. Negley, daughter of Jacob and Anna Barbara Negley,
was born February 13, 1810. She built a homestead on her paternal inheritance,
where she resided, taking a keen interest in the growth of Pittsburg, until her
death, August 11, 1897, in the eighty-eighth year of her age.
(IV) George G. Negley, son of Jacob and Anna Barbara Negley, was
born April 27, 1808, at the old Negley home on North Negley and Stanton
avenues, and through the seventy-five years of his useful life spent in the
vicinity contributed in many ways toward the up-building of his. native city,
which he remembered as a struggling town. True to his ancestral blood he left
the impress of his sterling integrity and wise judgment on the life of Pitts-
burg, being especially active in promoting its religious and educational advance-
ment. During the Civil war he contributed largely towards the cause of the
Lnion, and through many years of his life was an office holder in the East
Liberty Presbyterian church. Mr. Negley was twice married, in 1832 to
Eleanor Boyd of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, born January 5, 1807, and died
May 10, 1854. The children of this issue were: i. Jacob B., died January
15, 1898. 2. William Mcllvaine. 3. Olive N., died in childhood. 4. Henry
Hillis, North Negley avenue. 5. Theodore Shields, Fayette City, Pennsylvania.
6. Mary E., died December 22, 1894.
George G. Negley married Eliza J. Johnson, of Allegheny City. Mrs.
Negley was born March 25, 1835, and died ]\Iay 12, 1883. Mr. Negley died
March 26, 1884, being interred in the Negley lot in the Allegheny cemetery.
The children of the last marriage were : Sarah J. Mellon Negley, North
Negley avenue ; Anna Barbara, married Joseph K. Brick, of Philadelphia, where
they reside ; ]\I. Alice Negley, North Negley avenue ; Georgina G. Negley,
North Neglev avenue ; Alexander Johnson Negley, North Negley avenue.
(V) Jacob B. Negley, son of George G. Negley, for many years identified
with the banking business of Pittsburg, married Cynthia Trull. He died
January 15, 1898, and she died May 12, 1901.
(V) William !M. Negley, son of George G. Negley. for many years con-
nected with the coal interests of Pittsburg, married Isabella Douglass, and
no A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
they reside in Pittsburg. The children by this union are: i. Anna Boyd,
deceased. 2. Sadie Bell, deceased. 3. William Douglass, deceased. 4. George
Gibson, deceased. 5. Eleanor Johnson, deceased. 6. Harvey B., of Pittsburg.
7. Walter, died in infancy. 8. Oliver James, of Pittsburg.
(V) Rev. Theodore S. Negley, son of George G. Negley. active in the
ministrv of the Presbyterian church, is at present pastor of the Little Redstone
Presbyterian church, which some years since celebrated the centennial of its
organization. He married Susan C. Todd and the issue by such union was :
Mary Hunter, deceased ; George Decker and Jeanette Boyd.
(V) Henry Hillis Negley, son of George G. .Negley, has for many years
been prominently identified with the real estate interests of Pittsburg and its
commercial life, serving in the directorate of numerous financial and phil-
anthropic institutions, as well as long occupying the office of president of the
board of trustees of the East Liberty Presbyterian church, founded by his
grandparents. As Mr. Negley's interests largely lay in the East End, he has,
through his being identified with the Pittsburg Board of Trade as an officer,
contributed largely to the growth and improvement of the East Liberty Valley.
In the practical study of botany and horticulture he has attained distinction.
He married Margaret Johnston and they reside on North Negley avenue.
(V) Alexander Johnson, son of George G. and Eliza (Johnson) Negley,
represents 'the fourth generation of the historic name of the first white settler
in the East Liberty Valley. He was for many years identified with the banking
interests of Pittsburg, being later engaged in the development of lumber and
mining interests in the west and in Canada. Among other things Mr. Negley's
Cultivated taste is manifest in his love of nature and orchid culture. He
married Elizabeth G. Wishart. They reside on North Negley avenue, Pittsburg.
(IV) Sarah J. Negley, daughter of Jacob Negley, Sr., was born February
3, 1817, in the Negley mansion, North Negley and Stanton avenues, and is now
(1907) the sole survivor of her father's family. At the age of ninety she still
graces the old homestead built on the property which was a gift from her
mother, Barbara Anna (Winebiddle) Negley, on North Negley avenue, fol-
lowing' with keen interest and clear intellect the development of her native city,
and contributing of her bounty to church and philanthropic work. August 22,
1843, Sarah Negley married Thomas Mellon, who later became associate judge
of the court of common pleas. Their three surviving sons are business men
of prominence in Pittsburg. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mellon
are as follows: i. Thomas Alexander Mellon, married to Mary Caldwell:
both deceased. 2. James Ross Mellon, married to Rachel Larimer. 3. Sarah
Emma Mellon, died in childhood. 4. Anna Rebecca Mellon, died in childhood.
5. Andrew William Mellon, married Nora McMullen. 6. Richard Beatty
Mellon, married Jennie T. King. 7. George Negley Mellon, died September
15, 1887, aged twenty-seven years.
(By Georgina G. and Henry H. Negley, Pittsburg. Pa.)
NEGLEY FAMILY. The most beautiful and popular residential section of
Pittsburg is the East End of the city, familiarly known as East Liberty \'alley,
the location at the present day of some of the most palatial and artistic homes
to be found in America. The history of this section is inseparably connected
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE iii
with the names of the early settlers, many of whom are memorialized in its
streets. . It is but fitting that one of the principal avenues should bear the name
of him who laid out the town of East Liberty, Jacob Negley, and whose father,
Alexander Negley, was the first white settler in the East Liberty Valley, where
he acquired a large tract of land, and the East End of Pittsburg was long
known as Negleystown. The Negley family are descended from John Nageli,
of Canton Berne, Switzerland, who came from Switzerland into Germany
preaching the Reformation with Zwingli, the celebrated reformer and patriot
of the early part of the Sixteenth century. He accompanied Zwingli to Frank-
lort, in Germany, where they labored perseveringly and successfully in religious
effort, the name Nageli being often mentioned in connection with that of
Zwingli in church histories of that time.
(I) Jacob Negley, the father of the founder of East Liberty, and his two
brothers sailed from Germany with their families for America in 1739. Jacob
Negley died en voyage and was buried at sea, his widow and three children
proceeding to this country, settling in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, when Alex-
ander was but five years of age. One brother settled in Maryland and the
other, with his family, settled on the banks of the Delaware river, and Negley's
Hill, still so-called, within the suburban limits of Philadelphia, commemorates
the family residence there.
(H) Alexander Negley grew to manhood in Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
which adjoins Philadelphia, and it is said that he became enamored of the west
during his term of service in the Revolutionary army, and when General Wash-
ington sent two companies of troops over to Fort Pitt to help the settlers drive
away the Indians, who had been causing them great annoyance, Alexander
Negley, as a member of one of these companies, was so well pleased with the
west that he determined to make it his future home. Upon leaving Bucks
county, owing to the Indian insurrection in the vicinity of Fort Pitt, however,
he first located for a time on a farm between New Florence and Ligonier, Penn-
sylvania, and this property is now a portion of the estate of his great-grandson,
James Ross i\Iellon. In 1762 he married Mary Ann Berkstresser, and to them
was born within old Fort Ligonier a son named John, the farnily being in
the fort at the time of his birth seeking refuge from the Indians. Later in the
same vear — 1778 — with his wife and five children he migrated to what is now
Allegheny countv, where he settled on a farm on the Allegheny river, the
present site of Highland Park and the city reservoirs. Here he built a large
red brick mansion and beautified the grounds with orchards and groves. There
he spent the remainder of his life and died November 3, 1809, aged seventy-five
years, leaving a widow and eight surviving children, three having died in child-
hood. He was buried on his farm, as were a number of his family and
neighbors. The farm comprised about three hundred acres, including Negley's
Run and Heath's Run, incorrectly called Hite's Run, extending southwest-
wardly over half way to where the Pittsburg and Greensburg turnpike, now
Penn avenue, was afterward located. He utilized Negley's Run, which took
its name from him, by erecting a grist mill and a fulling mill upon it, and pur-
chased a farm apiece for each of his children. At that date there was no city
of Pittsburg, only a few log houses about Fort Duquesne. The homestead
was inherited and occupied by his son, Casper Negley. Another son. Jacob
Negley (III), born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, August 28, 1766, he for
112 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
whom the avenue is named and who was so closely identified with the city's
life and early growth, in addition to the property inherited from his father
purchased large tracts of land. In honor of Mr. Heath, from whom a portion
of the land was bought, he named his home farm "Heath's Delight." The tract
adjoined the property of Colonel George Croghan, who had previously purchased
the property on Stanton avenue from Mr. Negley, now called the Schenley
estate. Jacob Xegley at this time owned nearly all the land (except the old
homestead in the present Highland Park, which his brother Casper had in-
herited) which is now included in the Nineteenth ward and a portion of the
Twentieth ward, this whole region then being called Pitts township, besides
adjoining property, comprising an area of about fifteen hundred acres, on which
is laid out a town at the junction of the Pittsburg and Greensburg turnpike
and Frankstown road, long known as Negleystown, afterward called East
Liberty. He had also improved much of the land and brought it to a high
state of cultivation. At the time of its acquisition that portion lying between
what is now Stanton avenue and Penn avenue was mostly covered with a dense
growth of white oak and hickory timber, which he cut off, converting the land
into an extensive meadow. Pie also continued to operate his father's mills,
and in 1808 he built what was then regarded as the finest residence west of the
Allegheny mountains, a large red brick edifice known as the Negley Mansion,
at the intersection of what is now Negley and Stanton avenues, the brick being
made on the grounds. This building was but recently removed to make way for
modern improvements. Mr. Negley located what is now Negley avenue, in a
direct southern line from his front door to the Pittsburg and Greensburg turn-
pike, and it was then familiarly known as Negley's lane. He planted fruit
orchards and had about a hundred acres around his home under fine cultivation.
About at the present intersection of Penn and Collins avenues, the latter
until comparatively recent times called Mill street, Mr. Negley, in 1816, erected
the first steam flouring mill west of the Allegheny mountains, for at this early
date milling throughout the country was done by rudely constructed mills on
small streams, which became dry and the mill stood idle throughout the summer,
causing great inconvenience and sometimes partial famine. The cost of the mill
was great as the machinery had to be brought over the mountains by wagons
from Philadelphia.
Another of the early land owners of the East Liberty Valley closely con-
nected with Mr. Negley was John Conrad Winebiddle, another name memorial-
ized iii one of the avenues. Mr. Winebiddle came from Germany in early
manhood, where he was born at Bernzabern March 11, 1741. His father and
mother having been laid to rest on the other side, and being the sole survivor
of the family, Mr. Winebiddle came to America possessed of considerable gold,
and established a tannery on the banks of the Allegheny river, in the vicinity of
Lawrenceville, about where the government arsenal was later located. His
business was very prosperous and lucrative, and he invested his money largely
in real estate, buying up five hundred and fifty acres. The tract which he thus
acquired extended from the Lawrenceville district to Negleystown. Mr. Wine-
biddle married Elizabeth Weitzel, and their first home was on the Allegheny
river, not far from the tannery from where the fleets of canoes filled with Corn-
planter Indians sailing back and forth to the town was a frequent and
interesting sight. Later the family occupied the home on Second street, now
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 113
Second avenue. They had five children, four of whom hved to inherit the large
estate. These were Anna Barbara Winebiddle. who married Jacob Negley ;
Kitty Winebiddle, who married John Roup ; J. Conrad and Phillip Winebiddle.
Thus were united the Winebiddle real estate interests with the already
large Xegley estate. Mr. Winebiddle, like Mr. Negley, was an energetic, in-
dustrious man. He died September 11, 1795, being buried in the churchyard
of the First German United Evangelical Protestant church, of which he was one
of the founders. His remains, with those of his wife, were later transferred to
the Baum burial lot in the Allegheny cemetery. He left his beloved widow
and his beloved son-in-law, Jacob Negley, the executors of his estate. Thus
Jacob Negley controlled a vast region when he laid out East Liberty Valley.
Mr. Negley's keen foresight is shown in the fact that as far as he could control
the laying out of Penn avenue, then the Greensburg turnpike, he made it one
hundred feet wide. He endeavored to prevail on all the property owners and
heirs to do likewise, but did not succeed in his efforts except through the land
owned by himself and his wife, that portion extending through East Liberty
being a monument to his memory. Mr. Negley died March 18, 1826, and was
buried in the churchyard of the United Evangelical Protestant church. His
remains, being later removed, now lie beside those of his wife and children in
the Negley lot in the beautiful Allegheny cemetery.
Mr. Winebiddle's will, dated September 3, 1795, and recorded in the first
Will Book of the county, is an interesting document. Besides dividing among
his children a considerable sum of money and some slaves (slavery had not yet
been abolished in Pennsylvania, only the time of servitude was limited), he left
them two houses apiece in the "Town of Pittsburg," situate on Water, Market
and Wood streets, and also, besides his farm on the bank of the river where his
tannery stood, he divided between them the five hundred and fifty acres of land
in what was then Pitt township. This latter tract was bounded by what is now
the Allegheny cemetery, the lands of Colonel Croghan ( father of the late Mrs.
Schenley) and the estate of Jacob Negley, Centre avenue, the Penn railroad
and the eastern Lawrenceville boundary. A significant fact is that Mr. Wine-
biddle's children held this latter tract almost intact until their death, when it de-
scended to the heirs of the Winebiddle family, the Negleys, Roups and Wine-
biddles. Of the Winebiddles name but one representative remains, though there
are many descendants.
These hardy pioneers heartily appreciated the necessity for providing re-
ligious and educational advantages for their children, the spiritual culture of
their own families and their neighbors being always a matter of prime
importance. Loyalty to religion and generous contribution to its support is a
strongly marked feature of the true Negley character. We have seen how the
remote ancestor, John Negley, previously mentioned, aided and supported the
faithful Zwingli. Following the flight of time we find Alexander Negley,
Sr., proving himself the strong supporter of the renowned Father Weber, who
accomplished so much in what is now Westmoreland county as well as in
Allegheny county at an early day in organizing German Reformed churches.
The first house of worship planted within the present limits of Pittsburg was
that of the First German United "Evangelical Protestant congregation at Smith-
field street and Sixth avenue. John William Weber was the founder of the
congregation and in 1782 became its pastor. The Cash Book still preserved in
114 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
the congregation contains the names of forty-two men who laid the foundation
for the first church in this city, and among these are the names of Alexander
Negley and Conrad Winebiddle. Except for the hauling and work which the
members gave, Jacob Negley was largely instrumental in erecting the first
church building, the land having been granted by the Penns. A small meeting
house had been previously used.
Mr. Negley was also associated with the building of the First Presbyterian
church of Pittsburg, located on Sixth avenue, a later organization. In these
early days, from 1782 on, the country was wild and the roads very bad in
winter time, so that for the people of Negleystown to attend church service at
such a distance was difficult indeed. For this reason Alexander Negley had a
preacher, usually Mr. Weber, come and hold religious services at his home, now
Highland Park, about once a month, for his own family and the neighbors.
It was at one of these services that his son Jacob first observed and became
enamored of his future wife, Anna Barbara Winebiddle, who was but twelve
years of age. About five years later they were married.
iVIr. Jacob Negley, from his home at the corner of what is now North
Negley and Stanton avenues, built a raised cinder path to the site of the present
East Liberty Presbyterian church edifice, on what is now the corner of Perm
and South Highland avenues, for a foot-path for the use of his children, and he
built a comfortable frame school house of good dimensions in the early part of
the nineteenth century, some years previous to 1819, to provide educational
facilities for his own children and the youth of the neighborhood. For years
previous to 1819 religious services were held in this school house, also in the
spacious parlors of the Negley mansion, where he had a portable pulpit erected,
and some of the children were baptized. In the year 1819 the school house gave
way to a church building, the first in the E^st Liberty "Valley on the same site,
erected upon a lot containing one and one-half acres of ground, which Mrs.
Anna Barbara Negley conveyed to certain persons to be held in trust for the
"East Liberty Congregation," the property being a portion of her paternal in-
heritance. A subscription amounting to one thousand, seven hundred thirty-
five dollars and sixty-two and one-half cents was immediately raised for the
purpose, as the old record specifies "of building a school and meeting house,
said meeting house to be for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation, called
the East Liberty Congregation." This deed bears date April 12, 18 19. As
the amount raised was insufficient, Mr. and Mrs. Negley also contributed very
largely to the building fund. The first church building on this sacred site
was of brick, forty-four feet square, with one corner towards the Greensburg
turnpike, now Penn avenue, thus presenting a double front. The pulpit occu-
pied one corner. It has been stated on reliable authority that at that time the
houses in Pittsburg numbered but a little over fourteen hundred all told, and
that its population scarcely exceeded seven thousand souls.
For some years ministers of various denominations, mostlv German Re-
formed, Methodist and Presbyterian, held occasional services as it was possible
to secure them, and a Sabbath-school was organized with two teachers, Luke
Loomis and Isaac Harris, and nine pupils. John Roup, who married Kittv
Winebiddle, was the first Sabbath-school superintendent. It is believed that this
Sabbath-school has continued without interruption imtil the present time. On
the eighth of February, 1828, the Board of Home Missions commissioned the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 115
Rev. John Joyce to "publish the Gospel, and administer its ordinances in the
neighborhood of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at discretion." Soon the families
interested appointed Messrs. Francis Bailey, another ardent supporter of the
struggling church, and John Roup to present a petition to the Presbytery of
Redstone, within whose territory this region lay, praying for a church organiza-
tion in East Liberty. The petition was presented April i, 1828, but met with
spirited opposition from the representatives of Beulah church, who regarded
the proposed enterprise as a serious infringement upon their congregational
boundaries. The prayer of the two zealous petitioners, however, was finally
wisely granted, and the formal organization was effected on Sabbath, September
28, 1828. The population of Pittsburg at that time is said to have been about
fifteen thousand. April 7, 1845, Thomas Aiken and R. Beatty. AI. D., were
appointed a committee to procure a charter for the church. May 5, 1846,
Thomas Aiken and George G. Negley drafted a constitution and by-laws to be
incorporated with the charter, and on April 5, 1847, the charter was adopted.
In 1847, when the congregation were about to erect the second house of wor-
ship, also a building called the lecture room, in which Mr. Moore's Academy
held its sessions, Mrs. Negley added another piece of property, eastward v,:' her
fomier gift, which proved a wise addition, as it secured the fine frontage
possessed by reason of the opening of South Highland avenue, which, as with
the opening of Baum street, while it materially lessened the size of the church
lot, as given by her, enhanced its value.
The latest gift of Mrs. Negley to the church was the melodious bell which
still summons to worship and whose first peals sounded her requiem, as the
funeral procession wended its way to the Allegheny cemetery, where in May,
1867, she was interred in her family lot.
In 1864 the third church building was erected, a fine, substantial brick
structure, built after a decided!}' ecclesiastical style of architecture. On the
sixtieth anniversary of the organization of this historic church the spacious
stone edifice now occupied by the congregation was dedicated September 30,
1888, the fourth church building succeeding the school house. William G.
Johnston, the historian at the dedicatory services, in recounting the early be-
ginnings of Christian efforts in East Liberty by Jacob Negley and the benefi-
cence of his wife in the work, said : "With some degree of fitness we may
employ the words which she of Samaria addressed the wearied Savior as he
sat and rested by Sychar's well at noontide — 'Our Father Jacob gave us this
well and drank thereat, he and his children.' "
The East Liberty church has been the Mother Church of the Presbyterian
churches in this vicinity — Shady Side. Point Breeze, Park Avenue, Tabernacle,
Highland and Valley View Presbyterian, and the Sixth United Presbyterian
churches. It may be added that the interest in educational work in the history
of East Liberty has continued in many of Jacob Negley's descendants.
His son, George G. Negley, was an energetic promoter and director in the
old township schools of the Nineteenth ward, when the district was known as
"Collins Independent School District," previous to annexation to the city. He
was also one of the directors after annexation to the city and rendered most
efficient service. In 1869 a lot two hundred and five by three hundred and fifty
feet was purchased from Alexander Negley, and the contract was let for a
building costing about thirty thousand dollars. This was, as the place increased
in school population, superseded by the present fine structure.
ii6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
As the estates of Jacob Negley and Conrad Winebiddle came into the
possession of their heirs, numerous homesteads were established, some of which
still remain, and a few have been removed in the memory of many yet living.
Of the twelve children of Jacob and Anna Barbara Negley, eight survived child-
hood. Of these four sons and four daughters but one is living at this date
(July, 1907), Sarah J. Negley, who became the wife of Judge Thomas Alellon,
and still resides in the homestead — surrounded by beautiful and spacious
grounds — which they erected on the property which was a gift from her mother,
Anna Barbara Negley.
The eldest son of Ja'cob and Anna Barbara Negley who grew to manhood
was Jacob Negley, Jr., who had his residence on the property at the head of
North Neglev avenue. This was inherited and named "Baywood" by his son,
Major-General James S. Negley, a hero of the Mexican and Civil wars, and
who represented Pittsburg for many years in congress and of whom later
mention will be made. Daniel, the ne.xt in age, built a homestead on Stanton
avenue. His son, the late Major William B. Negley, true to his ancestral blood,
was one of the organizers of Shady Side Presbyterian church. Three of
Daniel's sons are living.
On Highland avenue, two squares north of Penn avenue, was formerly
situated "Rural Home," the homestead of another son, George G. Negley,
which still lives in the memory of the present generation. For many years it
stood as a land-mark in East Liberty. This mansion was a spacious structure
built after the modified Colonial style of architecture, and was most beautifully
placed in a picturesque setting of more than seven acres of finely cultivated
grounds. When clad in summer verdure, the green lawns, wide spreading
shade trees, the long driveways and flower gardens, planted with exquisite
taste from Mr. Negley's private conservatories, made the place one of the most
strikingly beautiful and attractive of any of its day in Pittsburg, a love of floral
culture being a characteristic taste in the Negley family. In the march of time
the house has been removed and the property divided into building lots, two
churches and many dwellings occupying the old site. In the early days Rural
avenue was a private driveway to "Rural Home," and when it was opened to
the public Mr. Negley deferred the naming of the new street to his wife, Mrs.
Eliza Johnson Negley, who named it Rural avenue in honor of the old home-
stead, which name it still retains. Four sons and four daughters of George G.
Negley's family still survive, five of them now living on Negley avenue. The
homestead of another daughter, Catherine R. Negley, is still standing on North
Negley avenue, opposite Black street, being occupied by Henry H. Negley, a
son of George G. Negley, and his wife. The youngest son' of Jacob and Anna
Barbara Negley, Alexander Negley, occupied the paternal homestead, corner
of North Negley and Stanton avenues, until his death, February 12, 1864. The
Baum homestead, corner of Roup and Harriet streets, where the present house
has stood on a portion of the Winebiddle tract of land for nearly a century,
is still occupied by the great-grandchildren of Kitty Winebiddle Roup, whose
only daughter married William Baum.
(V) Major-General James Scott Negley, son of Jacob Negley, Jr., was
for many years a conspicuous personage in the history of Pittsburg. He had
an enviable record for heroism in both the war with Me.xico and the Civil war
and was promoted to the rank of Major-General after the battle of Stone river.
He was born December 22, 1826, at East Liberty, Pennsylvania, and was edu-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 117 ■
cated at the public schools and at the Western University of Pennsylvania, but
before his graduation he enlisted in the Duquesne Grays, which organization
became a part of the First Pennsylvania Regiment. He participated in the
siege of \'era Cruz and battles of Cerro Gordo, La Perote and Las Vegas, and
was at the siege of Puebla. After this war .ended he returned to Pittsburg and
for a time engaged in manufacturing pursuits, but soon began farming and
horticulture. He became one of the most skilled horticulturists in the whole
country. While thus engaged and prior to the Civil war, he took a d^ep interest
in the military matters of his state, and was chosen brigadier-general of the
Eighteenth Division of the state militia. Foreseeing the civil conflict coming
on, he as early as December, i860, made formal offer of an organized brigade
to the governor of Pennsylvania, but it was not until the President's first call
for troops, April 17, 1861, that authority was given him, after having been
summoned to Harrisburg by the governor, to recruit and organize volunteers.
He was mustered in as brigadier-general of volunteers and placed in command
of the state encampment at Lancaster. General Patterson chose him to lead
one of his brigades in the Shenandoah campaign during the early part of the
rebellion. He was prominent at the engagement at Falling Waters, Virginia,
and after his three months' term had expired he was placed in command of the
volunteer camp at Harrisburg and later, with his brigade, joined General
Sherman's command in Kentucky. Under General Rosecrans, General Negley
became quite prominent again in the operations of the Tennessee campaign.
He led the forces against Morgan's command at Shelbyville ; was at the battle
of Lavergne, October 7, 1862, and defeated the Confederates under Anderson
and Forrest. At the battle of Stone river, in front of Murfreesboro, he com-
manded the Eighth Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and throughout that
never-to-be-forgotten campaign performed heroic services of which the govern-
ment was not unmindful. He drove Breckenridge from the intrenchments and
insured .final success to the Union army. For this valor and gallantry in this
signal victory, he was promoted to the rank of major-general of volunteers.
He led the advance at Lookout Mountain and drove the enemy from its position
and skilfully saved General Thomas' corps from an overwhelming defeat at
Davis' Cross Roads. At Chickamauga, Rossville and Chattanooga his services
make for him, indeed, a proud record. In one of the descriptions of the en-
gagement at Chattanooga the writer speaks of General Negley in these words :
"Negley was in the thick darkness with his noble Eighth Division, beating
back the relentless tide. Johnson appeared, too, with the remnant of his com-
mand. Rousseau was sent into the fiery cauldron to extricate his struggling
division comrade. The lines had been broken at every point on the right ; the
center, under General Negley, struggling fiercely, must be swallowed up ; the
left and all would be gone unless the destroying tide could be stayed, no one
could do it save he, though all were manfully fighting. Negley, unprotected
on his right, was fighting an overwhelming enemy on three sides of him, and
was holding them stubbornly. Like Sheridan's division, it waded through fire
without breaking anfl the men marched proudly among their companions in
arms to take new positions."
Soon after this engagement General Negley resigned, took leave of his
command and returned to Pennsylvania. In 1868 he took an active part in
politics and was in the campaign of "Grant, Colfax and Peace," and elected to
a seat in the Forty-first congress from the Twenty-second congressional district
ii8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of Pennsylvania, by almost five thousand majority. He was reelected to the
Forty-second and Forty-third congresses, and again in 1874 was elected to
congress as well as to the Forty-ninth congress, after whicli he retired, and in
New York city embarked in railroad enterprises. While in congress he con-
ceived the idea of making Pittsburg a deep water harbor and obtained the first
appropriation for this purpose. He also aided Ohio river and other river
and harbor enterprises. He was largely interested in Mexican railway building.
At one time he was president of the Union National League of America ;
member of the Grand Army of the Republic ; Scott Legion ; Masonic fraternity ;
National Board of Steam Navigation ; Shipping League, etc., holding official
places in all. Pittsburg will long remember his work in securing the appro-
priation for the Davis Island Dam.
General Negley was twice married, first to Kate Losey, in 1848. She
died November 29, 1867. The children born of this union were: Cliiiford DeN.,
born September 8, 185 1, deceased. James S., died February 15, 1889. George,
died November 29, 1867. Later Mr. Negley married Grace Ashton, by whom
was born the following children : Grace, who married Enoch Farson and had
two children. They reside at West Chester, Pennsylvania. Edith, residing in
New York city. Mabel, residing in New York city.
General Negley passed from the scenes of earth August 7, 1901, and was
laid to rest in the Negley family lot in Allegheny cemetery with military honors.
NICHOLAS H. SNIDER, for many years a well-known blacksmith of
Pittsburg, was born February 6, 1826, in Chambersburg, Franklin county,
Pennsylvania. He was a son of John and Charlotte (Funk) Snider, of Cham-
bersburg. Sarah Snider had two sisters, Elizabeth and Emma. Nicholas H.
Snider lost his father when a child, and his widowed mother was left with a
family of young children, which included in addition to Nicholas H. two
daughters, namely : Mrs. Sarah Piatt, of New Castle, and Mrs. Charlotte
Brown, of East Liberty.
Nicholas H. Snider was thrown upon his own resources at an early age,
and thus was unable to attend school in his native place but a short period,
and his education was chiefly acquired in the night schools of Pittsburg. Before
leaving Chambersburg he learned the trade of horseshoer, and when he came
to Pittsburg, at about the age of fifteen years, he worked at general blacksmith-
ing for different firms, among them that of the Schoenbergers, Jonas & Laugh-
lin. Spear & Company and the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The last
place he worked was with Zug & Company, with whom he remained for twenty
years. Over forty years ago he accidentally discovered a process for making
open-hearth steel, but his method was never put into practical operation. For
some eight years after his marriage he made his home on Pike street, and in
1857 moved to Carson street, near Twenty-third street, later taking up his abode
in a house which he built on Sarah street, also erecting several other dwellings
in that neighborhood. In 1887 he built the house on Twenty-fourth street in
which he passed the remaining years of his life. For forty years or more he
was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and for a long time was connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but ultimately withdrew. In
politics he was a Whig and later a Republican, but in local affairs voted for
/
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 119
the man whom he deemed best fitted for the office. During their latter years he
and his wife attended the Walton Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Snider married, in 1846. in Pittsburg. Adeline Stewart, born October
I, 1826. in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where she passed her entire life, a
daughter of Peter and Alice (Rodgers) Stewart. Peter Stewart was born in
Maryland, of Irish parentage, and was a brick molder by occupation. He was
one of a family of six children, namely: Peter, James, William, Noah, George
and Elizabeth Porter. Alice (Rodgers) Stewart was born on the Brandy wine,
a few miles from New York city, daughter of George and Margaret (Simp-
son) Rodgers, natives of Scotland. She died in the year 1866. Peter and
Alice (Rodgers) Stewart were also the parents of one son, George Rodgers
Stewart, a machinist, and four daughters, the sisters of Mrs. Snider being
Eliza. Mary, Margaret and Ellen. Children of Nicholas H. and Adeline
(Stewart) Snider: i. Alice Elizabeth, born in 1847, died in 1849. 2. Stewart,
born December 3, 1849, died aged thirty-three ; a bookkeeper. 3. Charlotte
Ellen, born in 1851, died at the age of twenty-four years. 4. John A. 5. Mary
A. 6. George C, born i860, died in his forty-third year. 7. Adeline, born
1862, died in 1881. 8. Cassadela, born in 1865, died in childhood. 9. William
Fleming, born in 1866, died in childhood. 10. Harrison, born in 1869, died in
1872. II. Mattie, born in 1871, died in 1873. John A. and Mary A. are the
only ones living of the family.
The death of Mr. Snider occurred March i, 1906. For sixty-five years
he had been a resident of Pittsburg, and both as a business man and a citizen
had borne an honorable name. His domestic virtues were peculiarlv marked.
He possessed a quiet, even, affectionate disposition, was fond of home life and
devoted to his wife and children. His wife died April 26, 1904. Their remains
are buried side by side in Allegheny cemetery.
JOSEPH MICHAEL DONAHUE, of Pittsburg, proprietor of a whole-
sale baking business, was born September i, 1 851, at Mount Oliver, South Side,
Pittsburg, a son of John Donahue, who was born about 1824, in countv Sligo,
Ireland, and at the age of four years was taken to England, where he received
a good education. In 1838 he came with his father to the United States.
They settled at Lawrence Junction, Ohio, and engaged in mining, John soon
becoming the owner of a small mine, which he worked until 1845. In that
year he moved to Mount Washington, Pittsburg, where for twenty-five years
he worked in the neighboring mines. He was a Democrat and a member of
St. John's Roman Catholic church. He helped lay the foundation of St. Paul's
Roman Catholic church on Grant street, the first church built in Pittsburg.
John Donahue married Frances Murtuch, born in county Cavan, Ireland,
and the following children were born to them: Mary, Rose, Jane, Joseph
Michael, of whom later; James, Charles, William, Katharine, John and Daniel.
Joseph Michael Donahue, son of John and Frances (Murtuch) Donahue,
attended school until the age of thirteen, when he went to work in the plate-cut
nail factory of the Jones & Laughlin Company, and later was employed by
different companies at milling until 1902. He then turned his attention to the
baking business, and is now the successful proprietor of a wholesale establish-
ment. He belongs to the Ironworkers' L^nion, called the Mellicated Association,
and the Catholic Beneficial Association. He is a member of the Roman
Catholic church of Knoxville.
t>
I20 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mr. Donahue married, January i, 1874, the Rev. Father Thomas, of St.
Paul's Monastery of the Cross, officiating, Louise Riece, and they have been
the parents of the following children: Francis, born July 5, 1875, died August
6, 1875; Emma, born July 15, 1876, died August 15, 1876; Joseph, born
October 29, 1877, died April 7, 1878; George, born December 25, 1879, ^'ed in
April, 1880; Catharine, born December i, 1880, educated in the Pittsburg
schools; Charles, born June 28, 1883, died in August, 1883; Louise, born
October 9, 1885, graduated from the Pittsburg high school in 1902, and is now
a stenographer; and Lawrence, born December 20, 1888, received a good
education and is now employed in his father's bakery.
Mrs. Donahue is a daughter of Charles Riece, who was a glass-blower in
Pittsburg. His wife was, like himself, of German descent, and their children
were: Edward, Charles, Matilda and Louise, who was born November 28,
1855, on the South Side, and became the wife of Joseph Michael Donahue.
THE WENZELL FAMILY is represented in Greater Pittsburg to-day
bv the children of Peter and Magdalena (Neuenhagen) Wenzell. The former
generations spelled their name with but one "1." The first of this family to
come to this country was Martin Wenzell and family, who were natives of
Niederkaufungen, Hesse Cassel, Germany. The ancestor was a blacksmith
until he retired from active life. In 1845, with his wife and children, he came
to America, experiencing considerable difficulty in making their ocean voyage,
coming in the old-time sailing boat, as they were compelled to at that date.
When about half way over the Atlantic they were caught in a terrific storm and
driven back. After spending ninety days on the briny deep, they finally landed
at Baltimore, Maryland. From that city they came to Pittsburg by way of the
old canal and stage coach route. They located on the South Side, where the
father found employment in the iron works, working at his trade most of the
time. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and politically he was
a Whig and later a Republican. The parents both lived to a good old age,
being blessed with a family of eleven children, as follows: i. Valentine, late
of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who married and reared a family. 2. Andrew,
late of Detroit, Michigan; married and had children. 3. Mrs. Catherine Metz-
gar, late of Pittsburg, married and reared a family. 4. Peter, deceased, of
whom further mention will be made. 5. Mrs. Elizabeth King, living near
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, married and reared a family. 6. Sophia, deceased,
wife of Louis Beck, a tanner, of Detroit, Michigan, married and has a family.
7. Louis, late of South Pittsburg, married but had no issue. 8. Mrs. Margaret
Rectanus, married and reared a family. Her residence was Randolph, Ohio.
(II) Peter Wenzell, son of the German emigrant above named, was born
in Germany in 1829, attended the common schools of his native land and was
sixteen years of age when the family came to this country. He took up the
trade of an iron molder, serving his apprenticeship with the Anderson foundry,
and remained there learning the various branches of that business for some
time. After mastering the trade he was made foreman of the shops. He was
considered an expert at making explosive shells, and during the Civil war he
set the cores in shells which were being made under his own supervision. He
later became very prominent in the iron business and was one of the firm of
F"isher, Wenzell & Company. This extensive plant was located, as it is now.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 121
at Twenty-first and ^lary streets. They first made a specialty of stoves, but
later branched out and manufactured a general line of machinery. In 1886
Mr. Wenzell sold his interest in the business to his partner and retired from
business. This plant is now a part of the great Jones & Laughlin plant on the
South Side. Being an excellent business man, Mr. Wenzell accumulated much
property, which is now enjoyed by his children. He was a liberal giver to all
worthy causes and hence was beloved by the general community. He was a
member of Zimmerman Presbyterian church and a supporter of all its interests.
In politics he was a Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows.
He married on November 12, 1854, Magdalena Neuenhagen, born in
Oberkaufungen, Germany, April 14, 1833, and died July 5, 1889. This worthy
couple had been acquainted as lovers in the Fatherland and he sent for the
young lady to come to America and join him in wedlock, which she did soon
after arriving here. They were the parents of twelve children : i. Mary, wife
of Heinrich Becker, now residing in Cassel, Germany; no issue. 2. Emma
G., wife of Julius Freudenburg, of Pittsburg, formerly Mrs. KaufTeld, having
one child, Herman Kauffeld. 3. Louis J., of whom later. 4. Peter, Jr., a
prominent grocer of South Pittsburg, married Miss Kate Nies and thev have
one daughter — Lillie. 5. Anna, wife of Emil Olnhausen, and they are the
parents of Ralph, Gertrude and Magdalena. 6. Edward, of Cambridge, Ohio,
married Margaret Davies, daughter of the late John H. Davies, a sketch of
whom appears in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wenzell are the parents
of Helen, Alfred and Sarah. 7. Richard, of Mount Oliver, Pittsburg. 8.
Alfred, died aged fifteen years. 9. Carrie, died aged six years. 10. Richard,
who was a twin to Edward, died aged two years. 11. One child died in infancy.
12. Magdalena, unmarried.
(Ill) Louis J. Wenzell, son of Peter Wenzell (II), was born July 9,
1858, and attended the schools of South Pittsburg. When a young man he
went into his father's foundry and learned the trade of a molder, with all the
side branches of that work. He continued working with his father until the
latter went out of business, and then for some time with the successors to the
business. He was a foreman in the molding department and left this work in
1891, at which time he was employed by Jones & Laughlin in their iron works,
with whom he is still working in the steel department chiefly. He is now on
his sixteenth year with this company. He is interested in residence property
throughout the city and owns a fine home at No. 139 South Twenty-second
street : this lot he purchased from Joseph Walton, and upon it erected a two-
story brick residence in 1889. J\lr. Wenzell is a member of the German Presby-
terian church, and politically is a supporter of the Republican party.
He was married April 14, 1887, to Miss Martha Elizabeth Hofmeister,
born Alay 19, 1861, daughter of Peter and ^lartha E. (Schnell) Hofmeister,
whose family history is given elsewhere in this work. To this union were born
the following children: i. Louis Peter, born on the South Side, Pittsburg,
February 10, 1888, graduated from the Pittsburg high school in 1906. 2.
Henrietta H., born March 22, 1890, graduated from the Pittsburg high school
in 1907, member of South Side Presbyterian church. 3. Frank Schnell, born
November 21, 1897, died June 6, 1898. 4. Martha E., born December 30,
1899, a stud'ent at the Alorse school.
(HI) Peter Wenzell. Jr., fifth child and second son of Peter W^enzell,
122 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Sr. (II), is one of the successful merchants of Pittsburg, and conducts the
grocery business on the South Side which his father established thirty-eight
years ago. He bought it from his sisters over nineteen years ago and enjoys
a paying patronage and stands high as a business man in his section of Greater
Pittsburg. He was born in the same house in which he now lives, at 112 Tenth
street, South Pittsburg, April 24, 1863. He obtained his education at the public
schools and at first worked for the Adams Glass Company, but soon decided to
learn the trade of a molder under the careful instructions of his father. After
he had fairly mastered the trade he found it was not suited to his tastes and
abandoned it and entered the grocery business by purchasing a store from his
father, which was then being operated by his sisters. He has followed this
ever since, and has made a successful merchant. Mr. Wenzell is a member of
the German Presbyterian church and politically a Republican. He belongs to
the American Mechanics' Lodge.
He was married November 18, 1886, to Miss Catherine Nies, born Septem-
ber I, 1867, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Weichoens) Nies. By this
union were born: i. Lillian, born April 24, 1888, graduated from the Bedford
school and is now residing at home. 2 and 3. Magdalena and Emma, died in
infancy.
Henry Nies, the father of Mrs. Wenzell, was born in Germany and came
to America at the age of eighteen years, settling in Pittsburg. By trade he was
a blacksmith, and followed this in this country. He died aged sixty-eight years,
about 1892. His wife was born in Germany and came to America when a small
child, when about five years of age. with her parents. She died in 1900, aged
seventy-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nies are the parents of four children :
Emma, Willmina, Earnest Daniel and Catherine, now Mrs. Peter Wenzell.
ALEXANDER WILSON, deceased, who both socially and among the
members of his trade stood high and was considered a leader because of his
many strong qualities of character and ability, was born in county Down, Ire-
land, in August, 1820, and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1887.
He was the son of Adam Wilson, who also came from Ireland to Pittsburg, and
died at the age of seventy-six years.
Alexander Wilson, of this memoir, was educated in the schools of his
native country and later learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed many
years. After his marriage he with his familv, consisting of wife and three
children, emigrated to America, first locating in Canada. While on their
voyage his wife was taken ill and died at sea. His children were then placed in
a boarding school, where they were well cared for, in the citv of Montreal.
Later Mr. Wilson came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where on October 9, 1852,
he took out his naturalization papers and became a citizen of the U^nited States.
After removing to this city he took up his carpentering trade and finally became
a large contractor and builder, under the name of A. & S. Wilson & Company,
his partner being his brother, Samuel Wilson. Besides these there were
brothers, Joseph and James, the last named the only survivor now. This firm
built many public and private buildings in Pittsburg, in which their workman-
ship pleased their patrons. Alexander Wilson was a verv devoted Christian
worker, first belonging to the LTnited Presbyterian church, and served as one
of the elders in that body for many years. Subsequently he withdrew from that
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 123
church and united with the Bellefield Presbyterian church. He was a liberal
contributor to the cause of Christianity and kindred works, including the
various charities. He did all in his power to build up churches and paid
liberally toward the erection of church edifices. He was connected with the
Union National Bank of Pittsburg. In political belief he was a Republican.
Mr. Wilson married, for his first wife. Miss Gumming, who died as above
stated ; for his second wife he married Mary Craig, born in Pittsburg, and
died April 18, 1901. One of the children by the former marriage was Jane,
now the wife of William J. Julerton, of Pittsburg, whose children are: Alex-
ander and Harry B. By the second marriage there were six children born to
Mr. Wilson, as follows: i. Sarah, widow of John Fayundus, bv whom three
children were born. 2. James C, deceased, married Lucy Carlisle, and their
children were: Alexander and James C. 3 and 4. (Twins) Agnes and Eliza-
beth. 5. Samuel, deceased, of Pittsburg, married Laura Keys, also deceased ;
their issue was one child, Louisa, wife of D. L. Hamilton. 6. Mary, wife of
S. H. Lloyd, of Pittsburg, and the mother of two children — Mary C. and Jeane.
FRANCIS J. BOYLON, an expert coppersmith, employed with the H. K.
Porter Locomotive Works, of Pittsburg, was born in England, in 1867, and
accompanied his parents, Dennis and Ann (Duffey) Boylon, to this country
in 1870. They settled in Pittsburg, where he received his education and
learned the barber's trade. He was engaged with Armour & Company as
collector, continuing in this two years and he then entered the employ of the
H. K. Porter Locomotive Works as their coppersmith, which position he still
holds acceptably. At this date (1907) he is president of the H. K. Porter
Relief Association, financial secretary of Sharpsburg Council. No. 972,
Knights of Columbus, and president of St. Ann's Council of St. Mncent De
Paul Society. He has served his borough for three terms as councilman, and
was chairman of the police committee two years. He was also chairman of
the ordinance committee one year and of the street committee one year. He
was a promoter of the ^Nlillvale street railway and father of the present water
works system as well as the street paving improvements of Millvale.
He married Mary C. Johnson, daughter of Peter and Mary (Flanigan)
Johnson, by whom the following children were born: i. Esther, born April
14, 1897. 2. Francis, born January 5, 1902. 3. Bernard, born June 9, 1904.
4. Margaret, born March 10, 1906.
Denis Boylon, the father of the subject, was born in Ireland, reared in
England, and came to America in 1870. By trade he was a machinist and was
employed in difTerent shops, but the last five years of his life he was with the
Pittsburg Locomotive Works. He died February 26. 1905, in Millvale, Penn-
sylvania. In his religious faith he was a Roman Catholic and politically a
Democrat. He married in England, Ann Dufifey, born in 1846. They were
the parents of the following children: i. IMary, born in England, married
John Fitzge'rald. 2. Francis J., subject. 3. Anna. 4. I\Iargaret, who mar-
ried Joseph Lee. 5. Thomas, married Irene O'Connor. 6. Denis, at home.
These children were all born in Pittsburg with the exception of the first two.
Peter Johnson, the father of Mrs. Boylon, was born in New Jersey. His
wife was the daughter of Patrick and ]\Iary (Kennedy) Flanigan. By this
union were born James, in 1869, died aged two years, and Mary, the subject's
124 ^-i CENTURY AND A HALF OF
wife. The father of Peter Johnson was William H. Johnson, born in New
Jersey and married a Miss Holmes. He was a lawyer and at one time judge
of Monmouth county, New Jersey. That family was of English extraction ;
their children were : James, now residing at Ocean Grove ; Anna, who mar-
ried John Conover, of Hazlet, New Jersey ; Ellen, deceased, married M. Van-
devier, of Keyport, New Jersey; Matilda, married John Hendrickson, of
the last named place, and he is now deceased.
LOUTELLUS A. BURNETT, of Aspinwall, president of the First
National Bank, of Aspinwall, Pennsylvania, and The Springdale National
Bank, of Springdale, Pennsylvania, was born July 31, 1871, at New \'ernon,
Mercer county, a son of Abijah H. Burnett and grandson of Peter Burnett.
Peter Burnett was born in Trumbull county. Ohio, where he led the life
of a farmer. He was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in which he was an earnest worker, supporting it with his influence and
giving liberally of his time and money. Peter Burnett married Bethsheba
Axtell. and their children were: Samuel, who died while serving in the army
during the Civil war; Abijah H., of whom later; Washington D., of James-
town, Pennsylvania; Mary, wife of Clark Davidson, of Nokomis, Illinois;
and Spencer, of Ashtabula, Ohio. Mr. Burnett died in 1888 and his widow
passed away January 4, 1895.
Abijah H. Burnett, son of Peter and Bethsheba (Axtell) Burnett, was
born in 1843, in Mercer county, and was in college at Allegheny when he
enlisted as private in Company B, Eighty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. He was in the Army of the Potomac and served throvighout the war,
participating in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. He rose in
direct line to the rank of adjutant of the regiment. At the close of the war he
returned to Mercer county and settled at New Vernon, where he engaged in
mercantile business, which he conducted until 1896, when he sold out. The
same year he was elected sheriff of the county and moved to Alercer. At
the expiration of his term of office he purchased a farm at Greenville, where
he has since lived, following- agricultural pursuits. For twenty-four years
prior to his election as sheriff he held the office of justice of the peace. He is
commander of the Northwestern Association of the Grand Armv of the Repub-
lic, and affiliates with Free and Accepted Masons, of Sandy Lake. He is a
Republican and a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Burnett married Dorothy C. Boyd, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth
Marsteller Boyd, of Mercer county, who died March 8, 1906, and thev were
the parents of three sons: Loutelius A., of whom later; Quinton J., born in
1877, married Cora B. Brown ; and Ingle B., born in 1884.
Loutelius A. Burnett, son of Abijah H. and Dorothy C. (Boyd) Burnett,
received his education in the public schools of New \'emon and at the
McElvain Institute. New Lebanon, where he took a three vears' course. In
1887 he entered Grove City College, graduating in 1889. In 1890 he was
appointed deputy sheriff' of Mercer county and served three years. In 1893
he moved to Greenville, where he purchased an interest in the largest fire
insurance agency in Mercer county. One year later he bought the remaining
interest and thenceforth conducted the business until 1000. He then sold out
to his brother and engaged in the needle business as a jobber, handling the
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 125
entire output of the Crown Needle Company, of Aachen, Gennany. He is
president of both the Springdale National Bank, which he organized in 1906,
and the First National Bank, of Aspinwall, which he organized in 1897, is
vice-president of the Farmers' and Mercantile Trust Company, of Greenville,
in the organization of which in igo2 he was also instrumental, and a director
in the Aspinwall Savings & Loan Association. He is an ardent supporter of
all educational interests and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Burnett married, in 1892, Anna J., daughter of Emery and Jane
(Hutchinson) Marsteller, of West Middlesex, Mercer county, the Marstellers
being of German extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Burnett have three children:
Clifton A., born December 2, 1894; Etta M., born September 2, 1898; and
Dorothy, bom October 31, 1900.
JAMES KERR BOYD, an employe of the Union Switch & Signal Com-
pany, Swissvale, Pennsylvania, was born February 7, 1855, in Edgewood,
Pennsylvania, a son of Thomas Boyd. He received a common-school edu-
cation, and in 1874 commenced the moulders' trade with the I. G. McFarland
Foundry Company, at Brushton, Pennsylvania, and after that worked for
eleven years with the Bradley Foundry Company, of Pittsburg. In 1887 he
went into the employ of the Union Switch & Signal Company, where he is
still engaged. In 1882 he was married to Margaret Gray, to whom two sons
were born : Herbert Spencer, born January 3, 1885, and Oliver Gray, born
January i, 1888. Mrs. Boyd died in 1895. In 1907 Mr. Boyd was again
married to Mrs. John \'enning.
Thomas Boyd, the subject's father, was born in 1805 in Stoystown, Penn-
sylvania, and at the age of fifteen years commenced driving a stage coach
between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. In 1825, when General Lafayette came
to Pittsburg, he was one of Mr. Boyd's passengers. Mr. Boyd married Eliza-
beth Giliam. and they had children as follows:
(i) William Oliver, born in 1838. He was engaged in the war of 1854
to 1856 with the Indians. He is now residing in Grafton, West Mrginia. of
which town he was ]Mayor for six consecutive years.
(2) Samuel T., born February 2, 1840. He enlisted in the Union .-Xrmy
in 1861 as a member of the First Maryland Cavalry, and served for three
years, and was honorably discharged in 1864. He then went to railroading
on the Pennsylvania Railroad, where at the time of the Pittsburg riot in 1877
he was detailed to haul the burned engines to the sidetracks outside the city.
The depot was burned at that time. He was killed on the railroad September
21, 1877.
(3) Mary Jane was born June 11, 1842. During the time of the Civil
war she was employed at the Pittsburg .Arsenal, and was engaged there at
the time of the explosion, but escaped uninjured. She died March 12, 1868.
(4) Catharine Mrginia was born January 26, 1844. She married
Henry Snyder, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
(5) 'Amanda P., born November 26, 1847, died January 4, 1873. The
father'died March 30. 1884. and the mother November 6. 1863.
James K. Boyd is' now residing at 7930 Tioga Street, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania.
126 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
BENJAMIN F. ABEL, well known in business circles of Greater Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, and its vicinity, has been engaged in the concrete and
real estate business for the past twelve years, and resides at No. 7705 Ben-
nett street. He is a descandant of German ancestry.
Henry Abel, father of Benjamin F. Abel, was born in Germany, April
4, 1835, and emigrating to America in 1857, located in Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, where he was successfully engaged in the butcher business, and died
in 1865. He married Caroline Lutz. born September 27. 1837, who died
April 17, 1900. They had children: Catherine, born in i860; John C, born
in 1862 ; and Benjamin F., concerning whom see forward. After the death
of her husband Mrs. Abel married Barney Stender, by whom she had the fol-
lowing named children : Mary, August, Sophia, Annie, Lizzie and Harry.
Benjamin F. Abel, second son and third and youngest child of Henry
and Caroline (Lutz) Abel, was born in Strawberry Alley, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, June 23, 1864. He was an infant at the time of the death' of his
father, and was educated in the Sacred Heart School, located in Station
street. .\t a suitable age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade.
a calling he followed for a period of twelve years, and then engaged in con-
crete and real estate business, in which he has met with a satisfactory amount
of success. He removed to Brushton in 1901, in which place he has since
successfully carried on his business, and has established an enviable reputation
for reliability and up-to-date business methods.
He married, December 3, 1893, Lizzie J\L Muenzmay, born October 25,
1868, a daughter of Joseph and Eva (Dormayer) Muenzmay. Joseph Muenzmay
was born July 24, 1834, in Cochem, Germany, and emigrated to the United States
in July, 1903. He was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this occupation
very successfully until 18S6, when he retired from active business life on
account of poor health. He removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1903, and
has since that time made that city his home. He married Eva Dormaver.
born March 27, 1835, and they had children as follows : Johanna, born Feb-
ruary II, 1861 ; Gretchen, born March 27, 1862; Joseph P., born Novemljer
21, 1863; Jacob, born July 11, 1865; Albert, born December 26, 1866: Lizzie
M., born October 25, 1868: Malhias J., born .April 26, 1870; Andreas, born
January 4, 1872; Helena, born March 2, 1873; Dora, born September 11,
1874; Theodore, born December (\ 1877. The children of Mr. and Mrs.
Benjamin F. .Abel are as follows: Joseph B. .Abel, born August 21, 1894. and
Eva J. .\bel, born February 6, 1896.
JOHN T. AHLLER, a resident of Sharpsburg, Pennsvlvania. and a
master mechanic, was born in Sterlingshire, Scotland,"in 1852, son of John F.
and Christina (Thom) Miller. The father was a native of Scotland, born m
1823, and came to this country in 1881, locating first at Uniontown. Penn-
sylvania, and later came to Allegheny county, where he died in 189s. His
children were as follows: i. Jean, wife of Edward McMaster. 2. T- T.. the
subject. 3. Alexander, who is master mechanic for the Vermont Central Rail-
road Company. 4. Christiana, wife of George Barber. 5. Charles F., who
married Mary McFarland. 6. Daniel, who married Helen Russell. 7. George,
who married Mary Zelka. 8. William, unmarrieil. The last named served' in
the late Spanish-American war.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE i.27
The father, John F. Miller, was a Presbyterian in church faith and in
politics a Republican. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, having-
advanced to the Scottish Rite degree. He died in 1S95, and his wife died in
Scotland in 1876.
John T. Miller, of this notice, was educated in the schools of his mtive
shire and at Edinburgh. In 1876 he entered the Tonic Solfa Musical College,
of London, England, graduating in 1878. He then followed music teaching
until 1880, when he came to America. After traveling through the United
States for several months he located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he
engaged with the Oliver Steel Company as a machinist, having learned that
trade in his native land. Subsequently he was employed by the firm of Wil-
son \\'alker & Company, and was advanced to master mechanic and remained
with them two years. After that date he was foreman in various shops until
1900, when he entered the employ of Moorehead Brothers as master mechanic.
In politics Mr. Miller is a supporter of the Republican parts- and in
church faith a Presbyterian. He is identified with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, lodge Xo. 84, at Birmingham, South Side, Pittsburg.
April 20. 1892, he married Margaret J. Eaton, daughter of David Eaton
and wife. She was born in the north of Ireland and came to this countrv
when aged but eleven years. Mr. and Airs. Miller are the parents of the fol-
lov.ing children: I. Christine T., wife of Ralph G. Hetzel, and they are the
parents of George T. 2. John W., at home. 3. Leanis \V. 4. Marguerite J. C.
CHARLES CHAUNCEY MELLOR, well known in western Pennsyl-
vania as a business man and musician, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
September 26, 1836, the son of John H. Mellor. who settled in Pittsburg and
established a music business in 1831, dying in 1863.
John H. Mellor was a native of Stockport, and his wife, Ann (Hillier)
Mellor, of Bath, England. His father, James Mellor, was a worker in a
woolen mill in Bolton, England, and emigrated to the L'nited States in 1818.
Here he worked at his trade for three years before he accumulated enough
to enable him to bring his family to this country. From the age of six years
John H. Mellor worked in woolen mills up to the date of the family coming
to this country,, when he was thirteen years of age. Subsequent to that he
engaged in other employment and acquired an education in his leisure hours,
especially in music, in which he became quite proficient. By natural gift he
was a musician, and what he lacked in opportunity he made up by industry
and application. At the age of twenty-four he settled in Pittsburg and
engaged in the music business, thus founding the Mellor Musical House, now
the C. C. Mellor Company. He soon established himself not only as a leading
business man, but also as an authority in music and a prominent citizen, and
for twenty-seven years he was organist of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church.
Charles C. Alellor was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1836, the eldest
of a family of five children. He was carefully educated in music, and in boy-
hood was inclined to take up the study as a profession, but on arriving at
man's estate decided to identify himself with his father's business and entered
into his establishment. He became a skillful performer on the pipe organ,
for twenty-one years serving as organist in the First Presbyterian church. He
has devoted much of his spare time to scientific and literary pursuits, although
128 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
music was always his specialty. For nearly half a century Ije has been instru-
mental in advancing many worthy undertakings to promote and develop
musical talent in his community ; has been liberal in both time and money in
aiding enterprises for the training and conservation of local musical talent,
many of the amateurs who have succeeded owing it to his fostering care and
friendly assistance. He combines to a large degree his musical and business
talents, making his a strong character, prized by all with whom he mingles.
The music house established by his father has been enlarged and the business
extended and occupies a high position in the commercial and musical world.
Mr. Mellor assisted in organizing the Academy of Science and Art ; the
Western Pennsylvania Botanical Society; the Art Society; the Mozart Club;
the Pittsburg Society, and the Iron City Microscopical Society. In all of these
bodies he has held official positions, aiding with advice and practical counsel
to carrv out the objects for which they were formed. He is now a trustee of
the Carnegie Institute, and has been chairman of the museum committee since
its organization, in 1896. He is a man of unassuming, modest manners, but
is justly entitled to rank high among the thoughtful and successful men of
his state.
In 1867 Mr. Mellor married Laura Reinhart, the leading solo soprano of
the choir of the First Presbyterian church of Pittsburg. Of their six children,
three (sons) survive, of whom Walter C. and George E. are officials of the
C. C. Mellor Company. These children were reared in the very atmosphere
of music, art and literature, thus taking on the refinement which always
characterizes such surroundings.
ISAAC REESE. The Reese family represents a notable race of iron-
workers. It has been identified with the industrial interests of Pennsylvania
since the early part of the last century. Its members have been conspicuous for
their ability to demonstrate, to put into active operation and to achieve success.
They have been progressive in all that pertains to iron and steel working, in
the way of the manufacturing of brick for furnace building, in the line of
inventions and discoveries to facilitate manufacturing processes, and in capabil-
ity for expert computation, designing, construction and a thorough knowledge
of shop-fitting and general machinery. The grandfather of the present senior
generation went from Wales to Germany in the eighteenth century to build a
puddling furnace, of which he took charge for two years, returning at the end
of that time to iiis native countrw
(I) The father of the present senior generation was William Reese, who,
with his wife, Elizabeth (Joseph) Reese, came to America from southern
Wales, where in the latter country their eldest son, Isaac, the subject of this
sketch, was born April 29, 1821. The parents crossed the ocean in the ship
"Twin Brothers," which carried on this trip the first railroad iron, flat bars,
ever brought to the United States. They landed in Philadelphia in 1832 with
their seven children, all of whom had been born in Llannellv, southern Wales.
The father had been an ironworker in the mills of the old world, and readily
found like employment in this country, first in Phcenixville, Pennsylvania, where
he was virtually the pioneer ironworker of the state. Later he erected a forge
in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he managed for some time. Subse-
quently he moved to Bcllefonte, Pennsylvania, where he built the first sand-
, I-gii^ Jfi-t-7ri-:Qi j-uc Co
<^Ul.c^
{fu.^^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 129
bottom furnace, as applied to puddling, in the United States, and where the
first "bloom" under the boiling process was made. He came to Pittsburg in
1837 and was employed by Hogg, Bealor & Company, shortly after known as
Hogg & Hartmann, rolling mill operators, in their mill in Birmingham, the
South Side of Pittsburg, the mill now known as the Fifteenth Street Mill. He
remained at this mill for about five years. Next he managed for fifteen years
the Spang Rolling Mills in Pine Creek, in the vicinity of Pittsburg. He then
went west and engaged in farming for aljout ten years, after that returning to
Pittsburg, where he spent the remaining years of his life. He lived to the re-
markably advanced age of one hundred and four years. In religious faith
he was a Baptist. His special traits, as also the characteristics of his wife,
who lived to the goodly age of seventy-four years, were industry and
uprightness of character.
Mr. and Mrs. William Reese were the parents of ten children, seven of
whom, as stated, were born in Wales. Three were born in America. The
children were as follows: i. Rachel, deceased. 2. Isaac, the subject. 3.
Leah, deceased. 4. Jacob, deceased. 5. Rebecca, deceased. 6. Abram, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 7. Joseph, who was a soldier, deceased. 8. Mary
Ann, deceased. . 9. Benjamin Franklin, now of Bolivar, Pennsylvania. 10.
Elizabeth, who married the Reverend Joel V. Stratton, now of Pittsburg.
(II) Isaac Reese, second child born to William and Elizabeth Reese, was
the eldest son. When ten years of age he went to work to assist his father
support a. large family. He entered the mills in Wales and was but eleven years
old when his parents removed to this country, where he worked wath his father
at Phoeni.xville. He was sixteen years old at the time the family came to Pitts-
burg. By that time he had become a valuable workman and was efficient at
the art of hammering, having learned the trade. At the age of seventeen he
had two assistants under him and continued to work in this manner for ten
years. He then embarked in the iron business as partner in a blast furnace in
Clarion county, an unfortunate venture, the panic of 1849 soon after sweeping
him from his feet. He returned to his trade, which was always lucrative, and
after a few vears had capital enough to embark in the coal business with his
brother Abram. This enterprise was soon abandoned, the financial returns not
being satisfactory. Mr. Reese was then, on account of his large acquaintance
among the various iron mills and his known honesty and ability, invited to join
the firm of Johnson, Taylor & Company in the manufacturing of fire-brick.
Both Andrew and Thomas Carnegie were then interested in the firm with which
he united. Mr. Reese knew nothing about brickmaking, but it was for his
ability as a salesman of the brick to tlie large mills that he was invited to join
the firm, which he did, and soon familiarized himself with every detail and be-
came an expert in that business. He devoted his time and energy to the de-
velopment of abetter grade of brick, and discovered new clay from which, by a
new process, he made better brick. Upon this brick he stamped the distinguish-
ing word, "Woodland." This was a fire-brick for crucible furnaces superior to
ariy which had heretofore been produced in Pittsburg. He saw the possibilities
of a great business, and he has practically had the exclusive sale of fire-clay
brickin and around Pittsburg for crucible furnace purposes since he first dis-
covered his process. Three years after entering the firm already mentioned he
purchased all other interests of the concern and controlled the business for
fourteen years.
I30 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Owing' to the panic of 1873 he again failed, losing every dollar he had
in the world as on other occasions ; but, as he said recently to a friend : "I have
failed several times in my life, but my credit never failed me once. I borrowed
five thousand dollars at sixty years of age, with only forty dollars cash in the
world." This last venture was the most successful of his business life. It was
in 1878 that he saw the necessity of a brick which would offer a greater resist-
ance to intense heat, especially for the heating furnaces for steel, so he invented
and patented a brick called the "Reese Silica Brick," which stood the test of
five thousand degrees, whereas no other brick was ever known to stand more
than three thousand degrees. The new brick was especially adapted to the
open-hearth furnaces for the smelting of steel, copper and glass. Through the
discovery of this excellent brick, the financial success of Isaac Reese was
thereafter assured, a just reward of his inventive genius and studious research.
The following anecdote bears witness apropos : Judge Weir, of Montana, now
deceased, but formerly of the old law firm of Gibson & Weir, the famous civil
law firm of Pittsburg, which had managed Mr. Reese's affairs in bankruptcy
proceedings, returned to Pittsburg some years after and naturally inquired con-
cerning Isaac Reese. Being told what he was doing, and meeting him on the
street a few days after, he slapped him on the shoulder, saying; "Well, old war-
horse, I hear that you have staggered to your feet, and there is not a man in
Pittsburg more deserving."
Mr. Reese established a large plant in Manorville, Pennsylvania, and later
another plant in Cowanshannock, in the same county. These mills were called
the Phoenix Fire-Brick Works, and Mr. Reese was the sole owner. He also
made brick called "Phoenix" and "Globe," especially adapted for rolling-mill
uses, and also for blast furnaces. In order to meet the great demand for his
brick he added two other plants at Retort, Pennsylvania, in Centre county;
these plants were called the "Retort Works." When his sons became of age,
in about 1896, he took them into partnership with him. These sons were
George W., Benjamin F. and Walter L. Reese, the firm being then changed
to Isaac Reese & Sons, and later still to Isaac Reese & Sons Company. In
1900 the business was incorporated under the latter name, with Isaac Reese as
president and general manager. This relation continued until 1902, when the
firm sold out to the brick trust, but retained stock in the same. There were
thirty-four brick plants merged into the trust known as the Harbison &
Walker Refractories Company, into which the Reese plants entered. The
Reese plants were the only ones to preserve their individualitv and to retain
their own offices and the firm name of Isaac Reese & Sons Companv.
The sons of Isaac Reese have been associated with their father in all of
his later important enterprises. George W., the eldest son, on the formation
of the Harbison & Walker Refractories Company, was one of the vice-
presidents of this combine, and is still an efficient member of the board of
directors. He is at present identified with leading industrial interests in west-
ern Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Benjamin F., the second son. was considered
an expert in the intricacies and details relating to gas and oil product, and was
well versed in all that related to the manufacture of brick, mill construction
and matters pertaining generally to the iron industry. At the time of his
death in 1904 he was the largest individual stockholder in the Kittanning Plate
Glass Company, a concern known throughout the country for its complete and
modern equipment. The keen foresight, comprehensive knowledge and e.xcel-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 131
lent management of this son were dominating influences many times in family
council and affairs. Walter L., the youngest son, is known for his practical
and intuitive grasp of business matters. His conservative attitude and well-
balanced judgment on important questions relating to finance and business
detail have won for him the confidence of associates and friends. Of these
sons, George married Nita Truby, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania. His daughter,
Margaret, is the wife of Woodward Patterson Brown, of Kittanning. Ben-
jamin died without issue. Walter L. married Tirzah Thomas, of Latrobe,
Pennsylvania. The remaining children of Isaac Reese are two daughters,
Elvira and Emma, the latter the wife of F. L. Snowden. The two grandsons
of Isaac Reese are Reese Olver Snowden and Francis Laird Snowden, Jr.
The elder of these grandsons, Reese Oliver, has been identified with the oil and
gas interests of the Standard Oil Company and the Kansas Natural Gas Com-
pany of Pittsburg for several years. The younger, Francis Laird, a recent
graduate of Yale University, is now in the engineering department of the
Carnegie Steel Company, Clairton", Pennsylvania.
The domestic life of Isaac Reese has always been a happy one. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Jones in Pittsburg, on May 24, 1844. who had come to America
with her parents when seventeen years old. Elizabeth Jones was born in
Llanbrynmair, Whales, on February 21, 1824. Her forebears were God-fearing
people. Her line of religious ancestry dated back on the paternal side to
1663, and on the maternal side to 1668. Her parents, Robert and Mar\' Bebb
Jones, exemplified the best traits of the Welsh character. They were devout
and consecrated Christians, and they belonged through ties of relationship to
the famous Roberts family of Llanbrynmair, of which the Reverend John Rob-
erts and his three sons, noted as preachers and authors, and honored through-
out the principality and wherever the Welsh language is spoken, were dis-
tinguished members. Concerning Elizabeth Jones Reese, her biographer, the
Reverend B. Gwernydd Newton, in portraying the irresistible charm of her
unsullied personal life and her unselfish devotion to family and friends, savs:
"There was a majesty about her which impressed ever\one. She possessed a
religious nature, an inbred sympathy with truth and an innate proneness toward
virtue. To do right was to be true to nature. She loved the beautiful and the
pure as naturally as she breathed. She sought the invisible as bv natural
impulse and found the father in Heaven as by intuition. Endowed with an
ardent and spiritual imagination she was a lifelong lover of nature. Her earliest
recollection was sharing, when but four years of age, a morsel of bread with
the birds that gathered around the old homestead, suggestive of her innate
sympathy and the love of God's creatures which so beautifully characterized
the whole of her after life. Glorious as was the sunrise, it did not compare
with the sunset of her life. When the shadows were falling, the promise was
indeed realized, 'At eventide it shall be light.' "
Isaac Reese felt deeply the loss of this helpmeet and friend. He has now
retired from active business pursuits and is wisely devoting himself to less
arduous tasks and is enjoying the fruits of a busy and successful . career.
Isaac Reese has always been a friend of the working man. No better proof of
this can be furnished than the statement that he never had a strike. Soon after
the trust was inaugurated a disastrous strike took place and every mill in the
combine went out with the exception of the two oldest mills of Mr. Reese.
The fraternal relations of Mr. Reese are with the Masons. He looks upon the
132 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
casting of his vote as a solemn duty, and, when over eighty 3'ears of age, trav-
eled several hundred miles in order to deposit his ballot at the polls. It is the
same in regard to a business meeting of his church. No effort is ever spared
by him in this regard.
The authoritative personality of Isaac Reese, coupled with the rare qual-
ity possessed by him of a courage equal always to his convictions, make him
one of the truly representative men of the times as well as a dominant factor in
local business aiifairs. No matter how unsurmountable the difficulties, nor how
grave the responsibilities and emergencies, he has stubbornly held his own
when thoroughly convinced that a certain course of action was the right one.
This sense of conviction and strength of will has not only enabled Mr. Reese
to preserve an imperturbable calmness in the face of apparent defeat and to
take his place courageously, again and again, on the lowest round of the ladder,
but has been the influence which has urged him to further action, sometimes
an almost superhuman effort, which has eventually wrung success from the
grasp of defeat. Always deliberate and painstaking, nothing is ever too trivial
for the patient thought of Mr. Reese whenever a question or project which
concerns vital interests is under consideration ; no detail is deemed insignificant,
no point of view or plan of another is overlooked, no opinion is derided. While
conservative always, yet he hears and sees all sides, he makes personal investi-
gation, even to the extent of wearisome journeys, and then decides. His judg-
ment, therefore, is well-nigh unimpeachable, and his counsel is sought and his
advice heeded bv old and young alike. Mr. Reese is conscientious in all his
business dealings ; he is thoughtful and appreciative of the labors of others,
and it is recorded that no "strike" has ever marred the relation between
emplover and employed where he has had controlling direction. He-is known
as a just man in his benefactions, and he is faithful to trust and obligation and
loyal to his friends. Mr. Reese finds his greatest pleasure in his home, and
few self-made men who have known the toil since childhood which he has
known are as well-versed in books, and are as appreciative of the hallmark
of the college as he is. His greatest satisfactions in life are his family, his
church, his well-stocked library, and the educational interests of the young
people of the connection and community. Although advanced in years, Mr.
Reese is anything but venerable in appearance or spirit. He is active physically,
and he loves good company ; he can walk a mile or spin a tale with the best.
But where he sits, there sits the head, and, instinctively, all recognize this fact.
The same undaunted spirit which in days past has brought him as a war-
horse staggering to his feet after downthrow and when destruction to every
hope seemed imminent ; which has made him declare with emphasis, "I will
burn the brick even though I burn down the kiln to do it," when the last dollar
had been spent and the tangible result was an experimental ruin ; which has
carried him through heart-breaking bereavement, through bankruptcy and dis-
appointment ; the same spirit which has "taken hold" of anything, and any-
where, and has accomplished in spite of opposition and the seemingly impossi-
ble nature of the undertaking, is still the chief characteristic of this man of
past and present day affairs. Few men have made and lost, and then, in
advanced life, through personal, indomitable will and push, have retrieved their
fortune a hundred-fold as Mr. Reese has done. All honor to his achievements.
Jacob Reese, of distinguished memory as the inventor of the essential
conditions of the basic Hessemer and the basic open-hearth process for steel
Z rfii/zj Sisioriciil Biib '.
%'<;x5ijA\^\\$OU^ \
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 133
making which revolutionized the industry in the United States, was the fourth
child of WilUani and EHzabeth Reese. He was born in Llannelly, Wales, July
14, 1825. His father, as said, constructed the first sand-bottom furnace as
applied to puddling in the United States, at Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and his
son Jacob, a mere lad, assisted in making the first "bloom" under the "boiling"
process. Jacob built and was general manager of the first iron works in
Sharon. Pennsylvania. He erected and was the first superintendent of the
Cambria Iron Works in Johnstown, Peimsylvania, antedating John Fritz, the
recent recipient of the Bessemer gold medal of the British Iron and Steel
Institute. He built and operated the Fort Pitt Iron Works in Pittsburg, of
which he was part owner, and during the Civil war made iron armor plate
of one inch thickness for the United States government. He brought probably
the earliest shipments of ore from the lake regions, which ore w'as used as a
"fix" for the "boiling" furnaces which had superseded the puddling furnace
and before there was a blast furnace in AIleghen\' County. Prior to the erec-
tion of the Fort Pitt Iron Wor^ks, known familiarly as the Reese & Graff
mill, Mr. Reese with the same partner owned and operated the largest oil
refinery in the state, the Petrolite Oil Refinery, of Pittsburg. During his life-
time Jacob Reese took out about one hundred and seventy-five patents in the
United States, and has a record of over five hundred inventions and discov-
eries. He discovered that basic slag from basic Bessemer process, when prop-
erly ground, is a good fertilizer, and worked up an industry in this. Jacob
Reese was eminent as a metallurgist and scientist. His long legal contest over
his patent claims for the open-hearth process of steel-making made his name
known the world over among capitalists and men of science. In practical
•demonstration he w-as foremost as an engineer and worker. He was a stock-
holder in many concerns of magnitude. He was a resident of Pittsburg for
over fifty years. He moved to Philadelphia in 1892, where he died on March
25, 1907, from paralysis. At the time of his death he was working on a system
of language for deaf mutes. Jacob Reese was Fellow of the American Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Science ; a member of Franklin Institute and
the Philadelphia Academy, Philadelphia; he was past master of Franklin
Lodge 221, Free and Accepted ]\Iasons held at Pittsburg; he was a thirty-
second degree Mason, and a master Mason for fifty-two years ; he was a
Knight Templar ; he had held the office of deacon in the Baptist church for
sixty-one years ; he was a public advocate of temperance, a platform orator
and a parliamentarian. During the whole of his adult life he was identified
with all leading philanthropic, civic and industrial movements in Pennsylvania.
Jacob Reese for a time was manager of the Clinton Iron Works at Pittsburg,
owned then bv English, Bennett & Co., and in this mill he made the first
iron rails that were made in Pittsburg. While in the oil refinery business he
had one tank, the largest ever made for oil refining up to that time, with a
■capacity of one thousand barrels ; also the largest still.
Jacob Reese married, first, Eliza Matthews, of Pittsburg, by whom the
following children were born : George, Frank, Walter and Harvey Reese, of
Philadelphia and New York city ; Mrs. John O. Everson. of Pittsburg, and
jNIrs. Barton Kinne, of New York. George, the eldest son. has patented sev-
eral valuable inventions. Fle is a member of Franklin Institute, Philadelphia,
and a writer on scientific topics. Frank has been a patent attorney for a
number of years. Walter is engaged in business in Brooklyn. Harvey Reese,
134 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
who is a medical practitioner of New York city, is a former president of the
Pittsburg Press Club and was for some years engaged in newspaper work in
Pittsburg. In the fall of 1901 Mr. Reese married for his second wife Miss
Jessie McElroy, of Philadelphia.
No more valuable contribution to the early history of iron and steel
making in the United States, as setting forth the first steps in the processes
which were to revolutionize the industry, may be found than in the following
personal and unpretentious narrative of the life of Jacob Reese, written in
simple language, and which was found after his demise :
I was born in Llannelly, Wales, July 14, 1825. My father, William
Reese, and my mother, Elizabeth Reese, with their family emigrated to the
United States and landed in Philadelphia on the 14th day of May, 1832.
William Reese obtained employment at Phoenixville, and moved his family
there. While at Phoenixville he made the acquaintance of John Savage and
George Thompson, who owned property in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania,
and there William Reese was engaged to build an iron works at Trough
Creek, and the family moved from Huntingdon. A blast furnace and forge
were built, and cast and wrought iron were produced in 1834. I spent most
of mv time with my father at his works, and received my earliest impressions
in metallurg}- and mechanics. As Chillcott's, a little town three miles away,
was the nearest store for domestic supplies, I was often required to go there
through the-woods, and learned to avoid wild animals, for the woods were full
of them.
In 1835 the family moved to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and father built a
furnace and introduced the boiling- process for the Valentines. There were no
fire brick to be had in this country, so father ordered fire brick from Scotland
to build a furnace. Unfortunately, the vessel carrying the brick sunk, so
father built his furnace of sandstone. He lined the sides with forge cinder,
and the bottom' with limestone. When the furnace was ready and my father
was working at it a number of prominent men from Bellefonte and Phila-
delphia were present to see the new departure in making iron. When the heat
was ready I pulled up the door, and father, with a long tongs, drew a large
red hot ball out of the furnace and threw it under the hammer ; my brother,
Isaac, pulled down the gate and let the water on, the big wheel turned and the
hammer came down and smashed the iron ball into "smithereens." I saw that
it was a failure. My father was cool. He said: "Don't cry, Jacob; shut the
water off, Isaac ; pull up the door, Jacob ; I know what's the matter." Then
he drew another red hot ball out, and let it lie on the standing, and, taking the
ladle, he poured about a quart of water on the hot ball ; a great blue flame
arose as high as father's head ; the ball was put under the hammer, the gate
raised, the hammer pounded on the ball, which father turned with the tongs,
while the cinders flew in all directions. And thus was made the first bloom
by the boiling process in the United States.
The balance of the iron was treated in the same manner, and the new
process was pronounced a success. I then asked father how it was that cold
water made the iron good, and he said that the lime bottom had made the
iron too dry, and that you must make the "blue blazes" come out of dry iron
before it will work properly. I asked father what "blue blazes" was. He
replied: "You will find that out when you go to school." About a week after
I was fishing with a fly on Spring Creek, when Judge Burnside came along
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 135
and asked me to let him fly a few for me. I replied : "If you will tell me
what 'blue blazes' is I will." He said : "O, you are Mr. Reese's son who
made the good iron by making the 'blue blazes' come out of it ; that, son, was
a wonderful thing to me ; it belongs to the realm of chemistry, of which I am
not familiar ; but I am going down to Philadelphia next week and I will bring
you a book that will tell you all about 'blue blazes.' " He fished a while, and
then went away. About two weeks after that Judge Bumside came to our
house and gave me the Oxford edition of Chemistry, which, he said, if I would
carefully study would lead me into a wonderland that is full of delightful
pleasure and profit. With my grateful 'thanks he departed, and I laid aside
Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and commenced to study the wonderland of
chemistry. The panic of 1837 closed the works at Bellefonte and father moved
the family to Pittsburg, and there at the works of Hogg, Bealer & Co.,
father, Isaac and I were employed until 1839, during which year we were in
Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. In 1840, being then fifteen years of age, I
obtained employment as hammerman at the works of Spang & Co., which
was located at Pine Creek, about five miles from Pittsburg. Here I had
practical demonstration of both the puddling and the boiling process, and saw
the great advantage chemistry was to the manufacturer of iron, and I contin-
ually compared the book chemistry with the mill practice.
In 1850 I saw an advertisement offering $1,000 for the best plan of a nail
factory. I made the drawings of a works to produce twenty tons per day.
Aly drawings were accepted, and I assisted in building the works at Sharon,
Mercer County, Pennsylvania. I there introduced an improvement which
made the blue nail. I took out a patent on it which brought me considerable
revenue. In 1852 I was employed by English, Bennett & Co. and moved to
Pittsburg and altered the Clinton Bar mill to a rail mill, after making 1,000
tons of railroad iron for the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Com-
pany. I was employed as engineer for the Cambria Iron Company, and spent
1854 and 185s in the construction and management of the Cambria Iron Rail
!Mill at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After making several thousand tons of
rails for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, I returned to Pitts-
burg and was engaged in the sale of rolling mill supplies during the years
1856-1859. In i860 I engaged in the petroleum business, and built the Petrolite
Oil Works at Thirty-second street in Pittsburg. The works was composed in
part of two stills of 300 barrels capacity, two stills of 500 barrels capacitv, and
one still of 1,000 barrels capacity, and a thousand barrel agitator bv means of
which I purified the oil by blowing a blast of air through it. In 1862 I built
the Fort Pitt Iron Works at Thirty-second street and the Allegheny riv^er in
order to make hoop iron for binding the oil barrels for the refinery. In 1864
I built an addition to the Fort Pitt Steel Works. In 1865 I built the Southside
Rolling Mill and Tube Works. In 1866 I built a metallurgical plant at Thirty-
second street and the Allegheny river, Pittsburg. The plant comprised in part
a cupola thirty-six inches in diameter and thirty feet in height ; two con-
verters and an open-hearth, each having a capacity to operate on five hundred
pounds of metal at each heat ; a root blower for the cupola, and a direct acting
blowing engine for producing the pressure blast for the cupolas ; also an
apparatus for producing carbonic o.xide, and a hydro-carbon vapor at a high
temperature and a pressure of 100 pounds to the square inch. The construc-
tion and operation of this plant cost me over $50,000. It was here that I
136 ■ A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
indurated lime by intense heat, mixed it with tar and formed an indurated
Hning- with which I Hned the converters and the open-hearth. In this plant
I mehed pig iron that was high in phosphorous in the cupola, poured it into the
converter having a basic lining and a basic bath, then blew the molten metal
with an air blast until the silicon and carbon were eliminated, and then con-
tinuing the blow until the phosphorous was oxidized to phosphoric acid and it
united with the lime in the basic bath forming a phosphate of lime for agri-
cultural purjjoses, then pouring the steel into ingots. It was there that 1
desiliconized molten iron in a ganister lined converter, then poured it into a
basic lined converter and therein blew the molten metal with an air blast until
it was deoxidized, decarbonized and dephosphorized, and the cast iron con-
verted into pure steel. It was there that I melted cast iron in a cupola, poured
it into a basic lined open-hearth, and, in the presence of a basic bath, converted
the crude iron into dephosphorized steel. It was there that I demonstrated
and perfected my invention of Lime Lining, Lime Additions and the Over
Blow, as shown in the testimony in the case of Reese vs. Thomas et al.. decided
in the United State Patent Office November 26, 1881. In 1868 I had built the
Fort Pitt Steel Works. With others I also built and operated the Grafton
Blast Furnaces at Latonia, Ohio.
In 1877 I was so impoverished by loss of fire, explosions and creditors,
that I was unable to proceed and failed. Having lost every dollar, I was com-
pelled to start anew. In 1879 I sold some patents to Andrew Carnegie for a
semi-annual payment of $2,500, during the life of the patents or their improve-
ments. Mr. Carnegie transferred the agreement to the Bessemer Steel Com-
pany, and they transferred it to the Steel Patents Company. After years of
expensive litigation they were, by mandamus, compelled to pay.
In 1879 the United States Patent Commissioner declared an interference
between Jacob Reese, Sidney G. Thomas, Henry Harmet, Philip Osan and
Henderson. After a vigorous contest the Commissioner of Patents decid;d
that Jacob Reese was the prior inventor of cases A and B. which cases covered
the Lime Lining, the Basic Bath, and the Over Blow, the essential conditions
of the Basic Process for the manufacture of steel. The last patent that comes
under this agreement was issued in April. 1906, and will not expire until 1923.
Abram Reese was the sixth child of William and Elizabeth Reese, and has
the honor of Jiaving rolled the first rail west of the Mississippi river in Iun«,
1871. Mr. Reese was tlien superintendent of the Vulcan Iron Works, located
in south St. Louis. A piece of the rail is preserved at Jefferson, the capital of
Missouri. General U. S. Grant, president of the L^nited States, visited the
works about this time, and congratulated the owners and superintendent on the
achievement. Abram Reese has an enviable record as an inventor. When a
>-oung man he invented a bolt machine of such perfection, and which shapetl
head and spike in one operation, that the principle on which the machine was
built is unchanged today. This machine was operated for years in the Lewis,
Oliver & Phillips mill in Pittsburg. He is the inventor of the only known
machine which rolls shaped metal with one roll ; that is, a horseshoe complete
in one operation, or an ax with a hole in it, and the like. The machine was
operated in the Reese and Grafif mills in Pittsburg, and is in successful running
now, elsewhere, for the manufacture of probably half a hundred specialties.
He is the inventor of the Universal Mill, and the inventor of the gas conduit
now in general use. Other of his more notable inventions are: A machine
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 137
for re-rolling old rails, a safety car stove, live stock feeding- apparatus for
freig-ht cars, a brake, corrugated sheet iron for roofing, a garden hoe, and sup ■
plementarv devices in number. Abram Reese worked in" the rolling mills or
Pittsburg when a boy. He was the first labor boss at the Cambria Iron Works
at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, when this mill was being built and managed by
his brother Jacob. Abram Reese puddled the first "heat" in the Cambria Iron
Works. ^Ir. Reese was later manager of the Fort Pitt, or the Reese & Graff
mill, as the works was known, in Pittsburg, of which his brother Jacob was
part proprietor, and during the Civil war operated this mill in the interest
of the I'nited States government, making iron armor plates. He was later
general manager of the Excelsior Iron Works, located on the present site of
the Schoen Steel Car Company at Woods Run. After this he was superin-
tendent of the Vulcan Iron Works at St. Louis. In later year j\lr. Reese.-
equipped and started a mill for the re-rol!ing of oil rails in Louisville. Ken-
tucky. He has engaged in other enterprises was at one time manager of the
Petrolite Oil Refinery of Pittsburg, and was one of the pioneer oil operators
during the early excitement in Oil City. He has been interested in coal and
mining, and superintended what were the earliest shipments of ore, probabh-,
to Pittsburg from the lake region. Abram Reese was born in Llannelly ,
Wales, in 1829. and came to this country with his parents in 1832. He was'a
child when his father built the first sand-bottom furnace as applied to puddlinj;
in the United States, at Bellefonte, where the first "bloom" was made. hV;
has retired from active pursuits in recent years and lives quietly at his home,
216 North Lang avenue, Pittsburg. East End. Three of his sons are identified
with present day iron and steel interests in Pittsburg; Harry W„ as manager
of the spiral spring department of the Pittsburg Spring and Steel Company ;
Arthur B.. as connected with the Carnegie interests: and Stanlev C. in thr
mechanical engineering department of Jones & Laughlin : his remaining chil
dren. Charles and Cara. are in the newspaper business. His wife is IMar'-
Godwin, of Hiworth. Wiltshire. England. Her brothers were pioneer potter;
of Ohio and West Virginia.
Joseph, the seventh child of William and Elizabeth Reese, lost his life
as a result of the charge on Stone River during the Civil war. He enlisted
from Youngstown. Ohio, in the Twenty-third Volunteer Infantry, the same
regiment and company to which William McKinley, who in later years was
President of the United States, belonged. William ]\IcKinlev certified to
assisting the wounded after this charge into a vacant house, and that one of
the wounded was Joseph Reese. The house was burned by the enemy and the
wounded perished.
Benjamin Franklin Reese, the youngest son of William and Eliza-
betli Reese, is a native-born American, and at present a resident of Bolivar,
Pennsylvania, a member of the firm of Reese Hammond Fire Brick Company
of that place. He received an academic education in Pittsburg. As a vouth
he enlisted in the Sixth Regiment. United States Cavalry, Julv 6, 1861, at
Pittsburg, and was in honorable service until the time of his official discharge
at Petersburg, Virginia, July 6, 1864. For forty years he has been identified
with the brick business, both in practical working and manufacture, and as
part proprietor of large concerns. His life throughout has been the exemplifi-
cation of faithfulness to duty and loyalty to friends, while his time and
strength, and also his means, have been at no time withheld from anv move-
138 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ment or reform which sought the uplifting of humanity. Mr. Reese married
Dcra Berkey, of Bolivar, and he has one son, William, who is now a student
at the Bolivar Academy.
The only surviving daughter of William and Elizabeth Reese is the wife
of the Reverend Joel V. Stratton, a Baptist clergyman, of Pittsburg. The
couple have two children, William C, who is a mining engineer, and Anna R.,
who is in the newspaper business.
THE VINCENT FAMILY, representatives of which have been active
and prominent in various professional circles, and who have wielded an
influence for good in the communities in which they resided, was founded in
this country at an early date.
Rev. George Carothers Vincent, D. D., LL. D., the first of the family
of whom we have definite information, was born on a farm near Harrisville,
Pennsylvania, April 4, 1813, and died in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, Octo-
ber 16, 1889. He was the youngest of a family of seven sons and three
daughters, children of James and Charity (Gilmore) Vincent. George C.
Vincent received at the hands of these parents careful religious instruction,
and such training in the common English branches as the neighborhood schools
afforded. In the fall of 1833, at the solicitation of some friends in Belmont
county, he visited there and later in the year became a student in Franklin
College, at New Athens, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1836. Soon after
the close of his college career he entered the Theological Seminary of the
Associate Presbyterian church, located at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. After
the completion of his theological course he was sent on a tour as a home mis-
sionary to western Illinois and Iowa. Early in the summer of 1841 he was
called to the pastorate of the First Associate congregation of Washington,
Iowa, and of the Grandview, Iowa, church, which he had established as the
home missionary of that section. These calls were accepted and he became the
resident pastor in November, 1841. The toils and hardships of these pioneer
pastors were very great. They traveled on horseback to preaching stations
from fifty to one hundred miles in this new territory, in addition to serving
their own churches. The country was almost destitute of mone}-, and for
months the minister could scarcely find money enough to pay postage. But
food was plenty, and the people did all in their power to make their ministers
comfortable. The most discouraging feature of the work in those early days
was the sickness, which was almost universal. The malaria was in itself very
debilitating, but it induced many other diseases, among which consumption
was the most fatal. This disease took from the young pastor his beloved
partner, Margaret Cowden (Walker) Vincent, the eldest daughter of Rev.
Dr. John Walker, of New Athens, Ohio, to whom he had been married Sep-
tember 10, 1838. After a lingering illness she died in June, 1844. During
the trying times that followed this bereavement Dr. Vincent cared as best he
could for the growing work and for the three little motherless bovs dependent
upon his care.
In July, 184S, Dr. Mncent was married to Mrs. Martha Hanna Carna-
han, the widowed daughter of James Hanna, of Cadiz, Ohio.. He continued
in charge of the work until the fall of 1847 when, on account of broken
health, he was compelled to seek a change of climate. Late in the fall of that
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 139
year he accepted a call to the First Associate congregation of Mercer, Penn-
sylvania. During his pastorate there he was principal of the Mercer Academy.
In 1852 Westminster College was founded at New Wilmington as an enlarged
outgrowth of the academies at Alercer and Greenville, of which Rev. D. H.
A. McLean was principal. These principals became professors in the college,
and as it became more fully organized Professor Vincent was chosen vice-
president. During the time of his association with the college he founded the
IVcstminster Herald, a weekly religious newspaper, which was afterward
merged with The Preacher, a similar paper published in Pittsburg, and the
new paper took the name of The United Presbyterian, and Rev. Vincent
became an associate editor.
During the years of labor in the college a large number of gifted men and
women were graduated and sent forth into the ministry, to the law and medi-
cine, and to teaching, and the influence of the college was felt near and far.
Desiring to have some relief from the exacting cares of college life, he resigned
his professorship in 1871 and accepted a call to the First United Presbyterian
church of Brookville, Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed many years of successful
work in the ministry. In 1877, without any knowledge of the matter on his
part, he was chosen to the presidency of Franklin College, his alma mater, at
New Athens, Ohio. As several of the younger members of the family had
not received their education his desire to make suitable provision for them
induced him to give up his delightful pastorate and once more enter upon the
college life, and he became president of the college in the fall of 1877. The
college work was greatly advanced under his administration. The faculty was
enlarged, a fine new college building was erected, and a multitude of young
people prepared for a career of usefulness. He continued in the work until
1884 when, having provided an education for his family, he felt he should
return to the pastorate. In October, 1884, he accepted a call to the pastorate
of the First United Presbyterian church of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, with which
was associated the neighboring congregation of Fairmount. He continued
to minister to these churches until his removal to Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
in the summer of 1889. His health was now much broken, and he continued
to decline until October 16, 1889. when, surrounded by his family and sup-
ported by a strong, triumphant faith, he passed to his reward.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Washington
College in 1864, and with that of Doctor of Laws by Franklin College in
1884. Rev. J. B. McMichael, president of Monmouth College, a former
student under Dr. Vincent's care, wrote of his death as follows : "Fifty years
in the ministerial armor, a true, knightly soldier of the cross, bravely battling
wrong and defending the right, teaching the ignorant, warning the unruly,
comforting the feeble, consoling the dying, and with tongue and pen pointing
all to Jesus, the lamb of God for salvation. What a long, useful life! But
life's battle is at last ended, the victory is won, the last enemy is conquered, the
work and warfare are all behind, the rest and reward of faithful service are
before thee, thou man of God. Fare thee well, faithful guide of my boyhood,
good-bye teacher. Thy work is done, all done, well done, and thou art gone to
be with the Great Teacher. Write 'blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord, from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their
labors ; and their works do follow them.' "
To the Rev. Dr. \'incent were born nine children: i. John Walker,
140 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
, born June 13, 1839, at Washington. Iowa, died at Falmouth, Virginia, Decem-
ber 19, 1862. 2. Alvan Stuart, born April 13, 1841, pastor of United
Presbyterian church, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. 3. Robert Milton, born May
8, 1843, engineer, Buffalo, Wyoming. 4. James Hanna. born July 31, 1846,
■died in 1848, at Mercer, Pennsylvania. 5. William Hanna, born October 24,
1848, see forward. 6. Mary Margaret, born June 21, 1851, at New Wilming-
ton, Pennsylvania, died at Douglass, Wyoming. March 2, 1907, married
William Finley Hamilton. 7. Charity Jane, born July 3, 1853, see forward.
8. James Rankin, born July 28, 1855, see forward. 9. Anna Martha, born
November 28, 1857, ^t -^'^^^' Wilmington, Pennsylvania, died June 5, 1894, in
Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The second wife of Dr. Vincent died in Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. September 25, 1899.
William Hanna Vincent, fifth son of Dr. George C. Vincent, was born at
Mercer, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1848. He was but a boy of a few years
when his father moved to New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, and became the
founder of Westminster College. He graduated from this college in June,
1869, and after teaching for a year entered the United Presbyterian Theologi-
cal Seminary at Newburg, New York, in which he pursued his studies for the
ministry for two years, but graduated from the Allegheny Theological
Seminary in April, 1873. He became pastor of Fairfield church, near Ligonier,
Pennsylvania, in April, 1874, establishing at the same time a branch church in
Ligonier. During the winter of 1878-79 he took a post-graduate course of
study in Edinburgh University, Scotland, and traveled in Scotland, England
and France. He was called to the First United Presbyterian church, of Mans-
field, Ohio, and became the pastor July i, 1887. After three years of successful
ministry in that city he was in 1890 appointed by the Board of Home Missions
to take up the work of the United Presbyterian church in Detroit, Michigan,
where the congregation had been swept away by the secession of many of the
ministers and churches of that Presbytery in the previous year. After restor-
ing the work of the First church, the Second church was established in the
western part of the city, both of which are now prosperous and influential
churches. On the first of January, 1903, he accepted a call to the newly formed
Third United Presbyterian church, of Youngstown, Ohio, and continued there
initil the church became strong and well-established. During the month of
March, 1906, a call was tendered him by the North End United Presbyterian
church of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, a field with fair opportunities for mission
work. The call was accepted and the pastorate begun in June. 1906, and a
prosperous work has been inaugurated.
Dr. William H. Vincent married, June 3, 1880, M. Nettie Jamison, only
daughter of Hon. John C. Jamison, of Cadiz. Ohio. Children: i. Eleanor
Marie, born at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, May 30, 1882; she graduated from the
Detroit High School in June, 1900, and from Westminster College in June,
1903 : she entcretl upon the profession of teaching and has charge of the de-
partment of English literature in the Bellevue High School. 2. George Clark,
born at Ligonier. Pennsylvania, January 29, 1884; he graduated from the
Detroit Central High School, January 24, 1901, and from Westminster Col-
lege in June, 1904. He won by competitive examination the first appointment
from Ohio to the Cecil Rhodes Scholarship in Oxford (England) L'niversity.
After three years of study and travel abroad he graduated with high honors.
He is now a student in the United Presbyterian Seminary of Allegheny,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 141
Pennsylvania. 3. Martha Olive, born in Detroit, Michigan, July 2, 1894; she
is a pupil in the Fifteenth ward school, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
Charity Jane Vincent, daughter of Dr. George C. Vincent, was born at
New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1853, and died in Allegheny, Penn-
sylvania, January i, 1902. She graduated from Franklin College, classical
course, in June, 1879. She studied medicine in the Women's Medical College
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which she graduated, and at once entered
upon the practice of her profession in the Hospital for W^omen and Children
on Staten Island, New York. xAfter practicing in the hospital for about a
year she entered upon the general practice in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber I, 1882. She soon came into a large practice, and was greatly respected
by the people and by the members of her profession. She was called to manv
of the best homes of Allegheny and Pittsburg, and gave herself unsparinglv
to the pursuit of her profession. She was largely instrumental in the establish-
ment and development of the United Presb}-terian Orphans" Home of Alle-
gheny, and of the United Presbyterian Hospital, now called the Columbian
Hospital, of East End, Pittsburg. To these she gave her time and toil and
money almost without stint, and to the hospital gave her professional services
without salary. She was also secretary of the Treedmen's Department of the
Women's Board, which made large demands upon her time and strength.
Unconsciously to herself and friends the burden grew too heavy for her, and
her life gave way under the strain. Suddenly, without warning, with' scarcely
an hour's sickness, the Master came and called her home at midnight, January
7, 1902, only her friend, Miss Mahan, being with her when the summons
came.
Dr. James Rankin Vincent, sixth son of Dr. George C. Vincent, was
born in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1855. His boyhood days
were spent at New Wilmington and Brookville, removing to the latter place
at the age of fifteen and remaining five years. He attended the public schools
of both places. He then went to New Athens, Ohio, and attended Franklin
College four years, his father being president of the institution at that time.
He attended lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he
was a student three years, graduating therefrom in 1884. In March of the
same year he located at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and was soon in the tnidst
of a lucrative practice. In 1891 he removed to East Liberty, Pittsburg, where
he continues very successfully the practice of his profession. He was one of
the leaders in the establishment of the Pittsburgh Hospital, was one of the
first members of the hospital staff, and so continues to the present time (1908).
He is a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He was a
inember of the filtration commission, consisting of twelve men, appointed by the
mayor to investigate the water supply for the city of Pittsburg and devise some
means of getting rid of the impurities which had long been a menace to the
health of the city. The labors of this commission resulted in the establishment
of the present filtration plant. In 1901 Dr. \"incent prepared and drafted a bill
which he had introduced and was passed by the legislature of that year, called
the Pure Milk Bill. This act is now in successful operation and has resulted
in a great improvement in the quality and purity of the milk supply and a
marked decrease in mortality among children and infants. Dr. Vincent is a
member of the United Presbyterian church, and an adherent of Republican
142 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
principles. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Fraternal
Lodge, No. 32, Pittsburg Chapter, Duquesne Commandery and Syria Shrine.
Dr. James R. Vincent was married in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber 16, 1886, by the Rev. George C. Vincent, his father, to Fannie McLean,
daughter of Wilson, deceased, and Anna (McNeary) McLean. She was born
in Washington county, Pennsylvania, reared in Wilkinsburg, and was a
successful teacher in the schools of that city.
EDWARD MANNING BIGELOW. Among the characters destined to
stand out prominently on the pages of Greater Pittsburg history is that of
Edward M. Bigelow, for so many years the director of the department of public
works. He was born November 6, 1850, in Pittsburg, and was one of a family
of five children born to Edward M. and Mary (Steel) Bigelow. His life so far
has been spent in his native city. After attending the public schools he entered
the Western University of Pennsylvania, but before he graduated he withdrew
from that educational institution to accept the position of civil engineer.
Subsequentlv he was appointed engineer in charge of the surveys of the city.
and in 1880 was made city engineer of Pittsburg, continuing to fill such
important place until the revision of the form of municipal government eight
years later. He was then elected director of the department of public works
and was unanimously re-elected every four years. During all of these years
Mr. Bigelow had complete directorship of all municipal improvements, and
he has accomplished so much for the benefit of the people of his native city
as to have well earned the title of public benefactor. L'nder his administra-
tion and largely through his initiative a transformation has been wrought in
the environments of the city, such as was brought about in Paris, France, by
the celebrated Haussman, and the city of Washington in our own country by
Shephard, however, with none of the obnoxious business complications found
in their work, as excellent as it was in adornment of the two national capitals.
Within his terms of office all the important public works of the city of Pitts-
burg which now exist, save the City Hall, have been created or rebuilt. How-
ever, the great work of his life, and that which will stand as a lasting monu-
ment to his skill and executive ability, is the creation of the Park system.
When he took the office he so long and so ably has filled the public park
grounds of the city comprised but a narrow strip of land a square in length
in the middle of the street. Not having enjoyed park privileges, the popula-
tion of Pittsburg- was not alive to their great value, hence ^Ir. Bigelow had
to work against some public sentiment, but by working under the guise of
improving and making more attractive the grounds about the reservoirs, he
added one tract after another until out of the total of less than sixty acres
devoted to parking purposes about nine hundred acres is now embraced in
parks, which lend a charm to the city which' is rarely excelled in anv part of
the country. The greatest of these parks is Schenley Park, containing four
hundred and nineteen acres, the nucleus of which was a gift of three hundred
acres and one hundred more at a nominal price purchased of Mrs. Mary E.
Schenley.
Mr. Bigelow's tact and services in securing this property, which will ever
remain a blessing to the city, was so fully appreciated by the better class of
citizens of Pittsburg that he has the distinction only given to two Americans
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 143
— that of having' a statue of himself erected for him in his hfetime. This was
efTected by public subscription, and the idea was first suggested by one of an
opposite political party to which he belonged and the fund was made up,
amounting to over twelve thousand dollars, in a few weeks, donations coming
in freely from rich and poor alike, all wishing to do him honor in the erection
of the magnificent life-size bronze statue which stands at the main entrance
of Schenley Park. He is known as the "Father of Parks."
Mr. Bigelow is of the Presbyterian faith.
ABNYR CLARKE BAXE, connected with the Municipal and Corpora-
tion Securities Company, of Pittsburg, forms the subject of this sketch. He
traces his ancestry to Scotland and England, and has descended from promi-
nent families on both paternal and maternal branches. Bane is an old and
honored Scotch name, dating back to the ancient Kings of Scotland, to one
Donald VH, to whom was given this name as a mark of a successful warrior ;
he was afterward known as Donald Bane and was the last of the ancient
kings of Scotland — from 1094 to 1098. Through him and his descendants has
been transmitted the name to the present generations of Banes. Early in
1600 they were among those who laid well the foundations of this country,
and who fought for and won American independence.
In this country the ancestors of the subject — Abnyr Clarke Bane — are as
follows :
(I) Mordecai Bane, married Naomi Medley.
(II) Joseph Bane, married Parthenia Ellis.
(III) Isaac Bane, married Sarah Furgeson.
(IV) John Bane, married Margaret Milliken.
(V) Abnyr Bane, married Sarah Sellers.
(VI) John Furgeson Bane, married Martha Lindley Post.
(VII) Abnyr Clarke Bane, married .A.da Jean Coleman.
(VIII) Harvey Coleman Bane, the subject's son.
On the maternal side Air. Bane descends through the mother, Martha
Lindley (Post) Bane, to the Lindley s, the Logans and the Crackrafts, all of
whom were instrumental in building up this country. The mother was a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having descended
from Major Charles Crackraft, M. D., an officer and soldier in the war for
American Independence.
(3f John Furgeson Bane, father of Abnyr C. Bane, it should be stated
that he was born February 24, 1829, at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and died
September 17, 1866, at Claysville, Pennsylvania. He obtained a good com-
mon-school education, and was in the government service as one of the
engineering corps during the Civil war from 1861 to 1865. In such service
he contracted a cold from which he never fully recovered. In church faith
he was a Presbyterian and politically was a Republican. His business was
that of general contractor and builder. He married Miss Martha Lindley
Post, born Mav 7, 1829, near Claysville, Pennsylvania, and died September
13, 1897, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The issue by this marriage was as
follows: I. Anna Belle, who died in infancy. 2. Sarah Margaret, who mar-
ried Thomas A. Bentley, July 15, 1875, and died in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania,
October 7, 1890. 3. William Cotteral Bane, who is a prominent and highly
144 ^ CENTURY AND A HALF OF
successful physician at Denver, Colorado. 4. Lindley Post Bane, who is a
resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(\'II) Abnyr Clarke Bane (subject) was born at Claysville, Pennsyl-
vania, January 21, i860, a son of John Furgeson and Martha Lindley (Post)
Bane. He was educated in the public schools of Claysville, Pennsylvania, and
at Washington and Jefferson College. For several years he was associated
with the firm of Pusey & Kerr, of. Pittsburg, resigning the position to form
the firm of Crumrine, Bane & Bassett, engaged in the wholesale wall paper
business. Mr. Bane withdrew from the firm in 1S90, and formed the firm of
A. Clarke Bane & Company, jobbers of wall paper, in which business he
remained until 1905, when he accepted a position with the Pittsburg Life and
Trust Company, of Pittsburg, as director of agents. On January i, 190S, he
became connected with the Municipal and Corporation Securities Company, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Pohtically Mr. Bane is a firm believer in the general principles of the
Republican party. He is a member of the Bellefield Presbyterian church, in
which he holds the office of deacon, and is a teacher in the Sunday school.
He also belongs to the Bellefield Brotherhood. In civic societies he is num-
bered among the active ]\Iasons of Pittsburg. He is identified with the order
from the Blue lodge to the Knights Templar, Consistory and Mystic Shriners.
He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution of Western Penn-
sylvania and the Oakland Board of Trade.
He was united in marriage, February 17, 1S92, at Canonsburg, Penn-
sylvania, to Miss Ada Jean Coleman, daughter of Doctor James Harvey and
Alary Isabella (White) Coleman. She was educated in the private and public
schools of Canonsburg, and after finishing a four years' course in Jefferson
Academy spent three years in a Southern college at Macon, Georgia. Mrs.
Bane is a member of the Pittsburg chapter of Daughters of the American
Revolution, and also of the Dolly Madison Chapter, Daughters of 1S12. She
is a member of the Pocohontas Memorial Association. To Mr. and Airs.
Bane has been born one son — Harvey Coleman Bane, born in Pittsburg", Penn-
sylvania, December 4, 1S92. He is a member of the John Hart Chapter,
Children of the American Revolution, and of the Bellefield Presbyterian
church and Sabbath-school.
Concerning the ancestry of Mrs. Ada Jean (Coleman) Bane, it may be
stated that Thomas Coleman (I) was born in Marlborough, Wiltshire, Eng-
land, in 1599, and arrived at Boston, Massachusetts, with Sir Robert Salton-
stall, June 3, 1635. He was one of the town officials in 1637, and one of the
original purchasers of the Island of Nantucket in 1659, of which he owned
the one-twelfth part. He had a house and other tracts of land set otf to him
at various times by the committee who laid out lands. As is disclosed by the
old book of "Records," he sensed on the jury October 20, 1673. The date of
his death was August 14, 1682, aged eighty-three years. His wife Susanna
died November 17, 1650.
The genealogical line from this, the American ancestor, runs as follows
to Mrs. Bane:
(II) Tobias Coleman, married Lydia .
(III) Thomas Coleman, married Phoebe Pearson.
(IV) Benjamin Coleman, married Anna Brown.
(V) Samuel Coleman, married Susannah Atkins.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 145
(\'I) Christopher Coleman, married Ruth Simpson.
(VII) James Coleman, married Jean Scton Piaxter.
(VIII) James Harvey Coleman, married Alary Isabella White.
(IX) Ada Jean Coleman, married the subject nf this notice, Abnyr
Clarke Bane.
(X) Harvey Coleman Bane, son of Air. and Mrs. Bane, is the eighth
in g-enealogical line on his father's side and the tenth on his mother's line.
Mrs. Bane's great-grandfather, Christopher Coleman (VI), enlisted in
the Revolutionary war at the age of fourteen years, in 1775, as bombadier,
and served throughout the war as private and captain.
James Coleman and his brother Jacob (sons of Christopher) served in
the war of 1812-14. Two of the sons of James Coleman — David and John —
were soldiers in the Mexican war, while six of his (James) sons served four
years in the Civil war. Three of these sons were officers — General David C.
Coleman, Colonel John P. Coleman and Captain Julius Francis Coleman.
The Colemans are from an old English family, and are made mention of
in English history as earlv as 1176, A. D. The Coleman crest is a cross sur-
mounted by a unicorn's head charged with three roses. The motto : "Be
Just and Fear Not, Let all the Ends thou Aimest at, be thy Country's, thy
God's and Truth's."
Other ancestors of Mrs. Bane are the Setons, who trace back to Dougall
de Seton. of Dunfermline, Scotland. The surname of Seton was first assumed
by George, fifth Lord Seton, during the reign of King Alalcolm Canmore in
the eleventh century. Mrs. Bane's great-great-grandfather was Captain
Henrv- Seton, who served in the war for American independence. He was a
captain in the French Chasseurs Brittaniques and was severely wounded. He
returned to Scotland and was married to his cousin, Margaret Seton, daughter
of (jeorge. seventh Baron of Carriston. She is also a descendant of the
Harvevs, Baxters and Whites.
DR. SAMUEL SHAW STEWART, a retired physician of Edgewood,
was born February 10, 1831, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, a son of
John Stewart and grandson of John Stewart, a native of Ireland, who in 1749
came to the American colonies and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he took up a tract of land of about two hundred and fifty acres
and erected a homestead dwelling. This neighborhood has since been named
Stewart Station in his honor. He served with distinction in the Revolutionary
war, and afterward became a captain of militia. His original commission is
now in the possession of his grandson. He was a man of masterful character
and a leader in local affairs, much honored and esteemed by his neighbors.
He was a successful farmer. In politics he was a stalwart Whig and in
religion a strict Presbyterian.
John Stewart married Margaret Cavitt, and the following w;ere their chil-
dren : John, of whom later ; Alexander, married and settled in Iowa ; Margaret,
wife of David Long; Sarah, died young; Lydia, wife of David Shaw; Jane,
wife of John Howell ; Mary, wife of a Mr. liowers ; and Ella, wife of Joseph
Hughey.
John Stewart, son of John and Margaret (Cavitt) Stewart, was born in
1789, on the old homestead at Stewart Station, and received his education in
iii— 10
146 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
the local schools of that period. He became a very successful farmer, and was
one of the most active members of the Associate Reformed church.
Mr. Stewart married Margaret Shaw, and their children were: i. Jane,
wife of William Shaw, children, Jennie, widow of Robert Stevenson, and Mar-
garet. 2. John, married Martha Clark, children, Samuel, deceased, married
Ida Jones, and William S., a physician of Braddock, married Stella Swart-
wood. 3. David, married Mary Shaw, children, Samuel S. and Martha, wife
of J. F. Graff. 4. Samuel Shaw, of whom later. 5. Thomas, married Nancy
Irwin, children, John Irwin, married Esther McAteer, and Mary, wife of
Joseph T. Miller. 6. William, a physician of Philadelphia, and one of the
founders and for ten years dean and professor of medical obstetrics and clin-
ical gynecology in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. He was
also one of the founders and the first vice-president of the American Academy
of Medicine and a director of the Charity Hospital of Philadelphia. He was
nine years director of the public schools, and was a member of the Philadelphia
County Medical Society, the Obstetrical Society, the State Medical Society, the
American Medical Association, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the
Geographical Society. He also belonged to the G. A. R. and the Loyal Legion,
having served with distinction in the Civil war. He married Delia Allman,
children : Mabel, Ethel, wife of George Barr, Delia, wife of Henry Lewis,
Margaretta and Dorothy. 7. Robert, formerly district attorney of Allegheny
county, married Caroline McMasters, children : John, a physician, married
Elizabeth Walker, Harry, married Camille Hawthorne, James, Margaret, wife
of A. C. Dinkey, Robert, died young, Leonora, wife of Edward Williams, and
Caroline. 8. Martha, died young.
Samuel Shaw Stewart, son of John and Margaret (Shaw) Stewart, was
brought up on the old homestead at Stewart Station, receiving his elementary
education in the common schools of that region. Later he studied at Antrim
College, Ohio, going thence to Washington and Jeiiferson College. After a
course at the latter institution he went to Philadelphia, matriculated at Jef-
ferson Medical College, and graduated in the class of 1861, receiving the degree
of Doctor of JMedicine.
The Civil war having just begun, he enlisted in the northern army a.''
assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, having charge of this regiment until promoted to the rank
of surgeon of the Fifty-sixth Regiment. He was at Antietam, Fredericksburg
and Chanceliorsville, and also participated in many of the other important
battles of the war. On returning from military service he began the practice
of medicine, settling at Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, where he remained
three years, building up a large practice and having six hundred families on
his list of patients. He was the only physician there.
His health not being equal to the strain of so much work, he decided to
move to Philadelphia, and there spent three years, enjoying a good practice.
In 1872 he returned to the old homestead at Stewart Station, whence, after a
period of rest, he moved to Allegheny City, where for eighteen years he prac-
ticed his profession successfully. In 1899 he retired from all active labor and
removed with his family to Edgewood, where he now resides. He is a member
of the Allegheny Medical Association.
Dr. Stewart married, December 24, 1863, Jane, daughter of John and
Martha (Smith) Shaw, and they have had the following children: John S.,
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 147
once prominent among the younger physicians of Philadelphia, but now
deceased ; William Greer, deceased, married Caroline Lysle ; David, married
Betty Cunningham, children: John and Elizabeth; Eula, wife of John C.
Cuthbert, one daughter, Jane Stewart ; and Samuel B., who is unmarried and
at home. Dr. Stewart is a member of the Second United Presbyterian church
of Wilkinsburg, and served as an elder of the Stewart Station church many
years. He is a Republican, but has no time for politics.
DR. HUGH WILSON ARTHUR, a leading representative of the dental
profession, and of civil as well as professional prominence in the city of Pitts-
burg, is a descendant of an English ancestry which dates back to early days.
Certain members of the family settled in the north of Ireland, taking active part
in the development and progress of the communities in which they resided.
Hugh Arthur, the earliest known ancestor, was born in the north of Ire-
land, from whence he emigrated, in the early part of the eighteenth century
on account of political complications, settling in Baltimore, Maryland. His
occupation was that of millwright, in which he had attained eminence by rea-
son of natural skill and ability, and was in consultation with Robert Fulton
in his steam navigation experiments. During the war of 1812 he served in
the militia at Baltimore, rendering efficient service. He was a Protestant in
religion. His wife, Margaret (Cathcart) Arthur, came from the north of
Ireland in the same sailing vessel with Hugh Arthur, but they were not ac-
quainted at the time ; they met later in the city of Baltimore, where her family
also settled. She was also a Protestant in religion.
William Cathcart Arthur, son of Hugh and Margaret (Cathcart) Arthur,
was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. By occupation he was a master me-
chanic, and for many years served as superintendent of street car lines in his
native city. He took an active part in the advancement of education, and for
many years served in the capacity of commissioner of public schools. He was
a member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he always evinced
a deep interest, and a Republican in politics. He married Alary Jane Long,
daughter of James and Hanna (Buchanan) Long, of Scotch-Irish stock, com-
ing from east of the mountains early in the eighteenth century.
Hugh Wilson Arthur, son of William C. and Mary Jane (Long) Arthur,
was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. His literary education was ac-
quired in public schools and Baltimore College. He then entered the Balti-
more College of Dental Surgery, from which he received the degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgery in 1868, and the degree of Doctor of Science was conferred
on him by the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1907. His skill and
proficiency in matters pertaining to his profession have placed him high among
his professional brethren and have gained for him a large and prosperous
patronage. He is the inventor and originator of many useful appliances in
his profession. He was a member of the faculty and president of the Pitts-
burg Dental College, Department of the Western University, for six years,
was a member of the Pennsylvania State Dental Council, and is a member of
the State Board of Dental Examiners. He has kept in touch with the ad-
vanced thought along the lines of his profession by membership in the Pitts-
burg Dental Society, Odontological Society of Western Pennsylvania, Odon-
tographic Society of Pittsburg, Lake Erie Dental Society and Pennsylvania
State Dental Society, in all of which he served as president. He was also a
148 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
member of the National Dental Association and of several Dental Congresses.
He was a member of the council of Bellevue, where he resides, and also a
director of public schools, serving as president of the board. He is a member
and elder of the Presbyterian Church and a Republican in politics. During
the Civil war Dr. Arthur enlisted as sergeant of a company in the Ninth Regi-
ment, Maryland Infantry; was wounded and captured in an engagement at
Charlestown, Virginia, and for five months, during the winter of 1863-64, was
a prisoner in Richmond and Belle Island.
Dr. Arthur married, October 2, 1872, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
Anna E. Watts, daughter of Edmund and Henrietta (Wilson) Watts. The
former was of English birth and came to this country in 1827; the latter of
Scotch-Irish descent. Mrs. Arthur was educated in the New Brighton Acad-
emy. The children of Dr. H. W. and Anna E. (Watts) Arthur are: Edmund
W., a graduate of Western University of Pennsylvania and an attorney, prac-
ticing in Pittsburg; Walter C, M. D., D. D. S., a graduate of the University
of Maryland, dental and medical departments ; Henrietta W., a graduate of
high school; Mary H., a graduate of high school; Hugh, a graduate of West-
ern University of Pennsylvania and an editor of Pittsburg ; Charles McK., who
received an academy and commercial course and is now employed with a bank-
ing institution ; William C. a graduate of the Western University of Penn-
sylvania and also engaged in banking.
WILLIAM COLBERT, a retired employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, in whose service he spent his entire active life, serving continuously
for over four decades, was born at Athea, county Limerick, Ireland, in Decem-
ber, 1828, a son of John and Bridget (Mangan) Colbert.
John Colbert (father) was a native of Ireland, received an excellent edu-
cation in his native land, being intended for the priesthood, and in early life
followed agricultural pursuits. About the year 1846, accompanied by his
wife, Bridget Colbert, and eight children, he emigrated to the United States,
settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in what is now the Ninth ward. He en-
gaged in the hotel business, which proved exceedingly remunerative. He was
a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Colbert were: William, see forward; Daniel; Mary (Mrs. Carrey) ; Katie
(Mrs. McDonald); Johanna (Mrs. O'Keefe) ; Ellen (Mrs. McCartney);
Michael and Patrick, who were brave soldiers and fought in the Civil war.
William Colbert attended the common schools of Ireland, and after tak-
ing up his residence in Pittsburg with his parents attended Iron City College.
In 1850 he was employed by the stage company running in connection with
the Pennsylvania Railroad between Beattys and Brinton. In 1853 he was
given a position as brakeman with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; two
years later was promoted to conductor: in i860 was advanced to fireman, and
January 7, 1864, was put at the throttle, a full-fledged engineer. He served
continuously for over forty years, and his entire career was on the Pittsburg
Division known as the "River Rim," and during all tliat long time never met
with an injury while on duty. He was the first man hired bv Superintendent
James A. Scott. He was for many years under Andrew J. Carnegie, and for
the excellent service rendered the company, in addition to his regular pension
from the railroad company, he received a special pension from Mr. Carnegie.
During the great Pittsburg riot his life was threatened by the strikers, but he
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
149
remained manfully at his post and received the commendation of the company.
In igcHD, owing to old age, he was placed on the retired list.
For over half a century Mr. Colbert was a resident of one neighborhood ;
he then moved to Lawrenceville, where he resided three years, after which
he moved to the old Alackin Mansion, near Crofton, one of the finest in Alle-
gheny county, a beautiful residence in which he has resided for the past twelve
years. It was purchased from the Mackin estate by Mr. and Mrs. Colbert, it
having been the property of Mrs. Colbert's father. Mr. Colbert is a member of
St. Phillip's Roman Catholic church of Crofton, and was a liberal contributor
to the erection of the same. He is a member of the Old Veterans of the
Pennsylvania Railroad.
]\Ir. Colbert married. May i, 1862, IMary Ann Mackin, born March 27,
1839, daughter of John and Ann (McDonald) Mackin. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. Father Garland in St. Patrick's church of Pittsburg. Mrs.
Colbert was baptized in St. Patrick's church by Father Garland, as were also
her ten children. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Colbert were: i. Annie E.,
married James Kenney. 2. Mary Frances, married Henry Shaffer, three
children : Maud, Florence and Irene, deceased. 3. John H., attended the
College of the Holy Ghost, was employed by the government eight years, and
is now (1908) serving in the capacity of clerk for the Fort Wayne Railroad.
He married Mary Lewis, and has four children : Marie, John, Genieveve and
Raymond. 4. Charles, who died in infancy. 5. William, attended the Col-
lege of the Holy Ghost and Duff's College, was in the postal service in Alle-
gheny City, after which he was clerk for two years for the Pennsylvania Rail-
road, and is now at home engaged in looking after the farm and estate. 6.
Joseph M., deceased; he attended Duff's College; was engaged in the dairy
i)usiness, and was a member of St. Philip's Roman Catholic church. His
accidental death in 1904, at the age of thirty-one, removed from the community
a valued citizen who was highly esteemed by all with whom he was brought
in contact. 7. James A., owner and proprietor of the Chartiers Valley Ice
Plant ; he resides at home. 8. Linus C. 9. Leo, who died in infancy. 10.
Raymond, twin of Leo, who died at the age of eight years. Another inmate
of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Colbert is Ellen Grant, who has lived with them
for many years and who is treated as one of the family.
PRINCIPAL C. H. GARWOOD. Among the best schools of the city,
those of the Homewood sub-district hold high rank. Their position in this re-
spect is due in a very large measure to the active, able and businesslike methods
employed by Principal C. H. Garwood in his organization and management of
these schools.
He was born at Brownsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, August 26th,
1873. His experience in school work began in the country schools of Fayette
county. This was followed by two years as vice-principal in the Brownsville
schools, one year as principal in Belle Vernon, almost two years as principal
of the East Pittsburg schools, from which place he came to Homewood in
April. 1899.
That his ability as an organizer and executive is recognized, not only in
educational circles, but elsewhere, is evidenced by his selection to serve as
president of the Homewood Board of Trade; as State Chairman to secure
150 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
state aid for aged teachers ; president of the Pittsburg Teachers' Retirement
Association; Assistant Superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday-
school, and as an official member of the church board and the Building and
Loan Association Board. As secretary of the Carnegie Branch Library Com-
mittee of the Homewood Board of Trade, Mr. Garwood has been largely in-
strumental in securing the fine Carnegie Branch Library at the corner of Ham-
ilton and Long avenues. He is an active member of the Pittsburg Principals'
Association and secretary of the Pittsburg Teachers' Institute.
Principal Garwood's success is due to the exercise of a keen, well-balanced,
discriminating judgment, coupled with a large appreciation of the capabilties
and possibilities of the individual members of his teaching corps, and the in-
variable use of the utmost good sense, tact and justice in all his dealings with
teachers, pupils and patrons, thus meriting and securing the loyal support of
these three classes and the respect and earnest cooperation of a board of direct-
ors who have at heart the best interests of their schools.
He married Mary B., daughter of Mrs. E. A. Gabler, of Brownsville,
Fayette County, July 18, igoo. They have one son, Clyde Harry Garwood,
Jr., born March 7, 1902.
HOMER E. LESLIE, who resides at No. 532 Homewood avenue, Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, has been prominently identified with the business and public
interests of the city for a number of years. He is a representative of a family
which has always borne its just share of the responsibilities of good, order-
loving citizens.
Millard F. Leslie, father of Homer E. Leslie, was born in New Kensing-
ton. He was an enterprising, energetic man of affairs, constructed the low
grade division of the Allegheny Valley railroad, and then held the position
of conductor for a number of years. He removed to Pittsburg in 1880 and
established himself in the undertaking business, where his tact and careful
management soon brought him a lucrative patronage. He married Alice Lane,
and had children : Homer E. and Edward, the latter a physician of Pittsburg.
Homer E. Leslie, a son of M. F. and Alice (Lane) Leslie, was born in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1872. He was an earnest student at
the public and high schools of his native city, and upon attaining manhood
entered upon a business career. He has been successfully established in the
undertaking business for a period of si>t years. He has always taken an ac-
tive interest in the public affairs of the city and has been a member of the
executive committee of the ward in which he resides. He was also secretary
of the Homewood Board of Trade for three years. He enlisted in the Span-
ish-American war with the Fourteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers,
June 15, 1898, and was mustered out February 28, 1899. He is a consistent
member of the Homewood Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
He married Mabel B. Scott, daughter of John W. Scott, and had children :
Edward Van Kirk, born December 22, 1900, and Alice Scott, born August 15,
1904.
HENRY J. MEYER was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, January 6,
1858, a son of Gregory and Margaret (Levo) Meyer. The father was born in
Switzerland in 1830, and coming to this country, located at Pittsburg in 1847,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 151
engaging in the butchering business. Later he operated the old Voeglty flour-
ing mills, after which he was engaged in the grocery and liquor business in
Allegheny City. He was active in business matters up to the time of his death
in IQCXD. He was a select councilman from his ward for several years and
also president of the Real Estate Bank. He was an active business man and
connected with several successful insurance companies. He married Margaret
Levo, of Aetna, Pennsylvanfa, who died in 1905. They were the parents of
the following children: i. Henry J. 2. Joseph J. 3. Annie, who married
Charles Schawn. 4. Albert. 5. William. 6. Bertha. 7. Adolph.
Jacob Levo, grandfather of Henry J. Meyer, came from Germany in
1830 and engaged in farming at Aetna. He married Aplonia Adelman, and
their children were Margaret, Maria Theresa, Josephine, Jacob and John.
Jacob Levo died at the age of seventy years and his wife in 1895, aged ninety-
three.
John Meyer, the paternal grandfather of Henry J. Meyer, was born and
died in Switzerland. He was in the employ of the government in the custom
post, a position that has been handed down and is still held by one of the family.
Henry J. Meyer was educated at the public schools and at St. Mary's
School, after which he clerked in his father's grocery store until seventeen
years of age, when he learned the sign painter's trade and followed that busi-
ness for fifteen years. In 1892 he moved to the East End, where he engaged
in the wholesale liquor trade. He is a member of the Pittsburg Elks, No. 11,
and the East End Board of Trade, of which he is one of the directors. He be-
longs to the Colonial Republican Club and takes much interest in local poli-
tics. He is a life member of the Exposition Society.
]\Ir. Meyer was united in marriage, in 1882, to Miss Emma, daughter
of Charles B. and Annie (Deaner) Welter. They are the parents of the fol-
lowing children: i. Oscar G., born September 9, 1884. 2. Eleanor E., born
December 18, 1886. 3. Margaret, born September 21, 1896.
JACOB HARTMANN was born in Germany. He emigrated to this coun-
try in 1847, bringing with him the habits of thrift and industry that characterize
the German nation. These he has used for the past fifty years to great ad-
vantage in the dairy business, in which he is still actively engaged, and of
which he has made a decided success. His dairy is a model of neatness and
fully equipped with all the modern improvements which have been made in
that branch of industry.
Mr. Hartmann married (first) Mary Numacker, who died in 1862. His
second wife is also deceased. His children are : Thomas. Frank W'., Christian
W. and George J.
THOMAS J. HAWKINS, who is engaged in the sale of real estate and
coal at Pittsburg, is a native of England, born April 12, 1866. His father, Mar-
tin Hawkins, was born in Ireland in 1829 and was nearly all of his active life en-
gaged in contracting work, in which he was successful. He came to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, in 1867. and died March 3, 1899. He married, October 28, 1850,
Miss Sarah Martin, of England. The children of this union were: John, bom
in 1852: Sarah E., wife of Mr. Dugan ; Agnes, wife of Mr. Holtihan ; Charles
]\I. and Thomas J.
152 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Thomas J. Hawkins received his education at the common and high
schools, coming with his father's family to Pittsburg in 1867. He was engaged
for five years in mercantile pursuits. In 1886 he established himself in the
wholesale tobacco business, continuing until 1904, when he embarked in the
real estate and coal trade. Politically, Mr. Hawkins votes the Republican
ticket. He was elected a member of the select council of Pittsburg in Febru-
ary, 1905, served one year, and in 1906 was re-elected for the term of four
years. He was married, November 19, 1891, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Jacob and Josephine Haines, of Pittsburg. Their children are: i. Abigail,
born October 5, 1892. 2. Ferdinand D., born December 24, 1895. 3. H. D.
born August 19, 1898. 4. Marion, born March 5, 1901.
Jacob Haines was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 183 1, and was en-
gaged in the manufacture of glass. He married Josephine Getsinger, of New
Jersey, and their children are: Abigail C, Mrs. Knapp, George, Elvira M. and
Elizabeth J., Mrs. Hawkins.
FRAUENHEIM FAMILY. The first of this branch of the Frauenheim
family to come to America was Edward Frauenheim, a native of Osnebruck,
German}-, born October i, 1820. He arrived in this country July 4, 1840, and
from the first impression given him by witnessing the National Independence
day celebration in the city of New York he concluded that this was the greatest
country on the globe, and this opinion he ever afterwards held. Before leaving
his native land Mr. Frauenheim secured a good education, after which he
taught school until twenty-three years of age, at which time he came to the
United States. From New York he went direct to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
via the old Ohio and Pennsylvania canal. He first worked at the trade of car-
penter on St. Philomena church on Fourteenth street. He then followed clerk-
ing for a short time, after which he engaged in the grocery business on the
corner of Logan street and Fifth avenue, on what was then known as the old
Butler road. In 1861 he purchased an interest in the brewing business of the
city, and in this venture was highly successful, accumulating considerable
property. He was associated with Leopold Vilsack and their successors in that
line of business, the Iron City Brewing Company.
Besides this great industry, which he aided in establishing, he was the
president of the Keystone Pump Works (now the Epping-Carpenter Com-
pany), president of the Pittsburg Commercial Company, and one of the
founders of the German National Bank, of which he was a director. He was
deeply interested in the welfare and general development of the city. In
municipal affairs he represented his ward in the council for many years, and for
<a. term or more was treasurer of the Sixteenth Ward School Board. His death
came suddenly, June 16, 1891, due to paralysis of the heart, while seated read-
ing his daily paper at home, tlis remains were interred in St. Mary's cemetery
at Pittsburg.
Mr. Frauenheim married, in Pittsburg, in 1851, Mary Meyers, born in
Germany September 28, 1832, and died November 22, 1904, aged seventy-two
years, a daughter of Joseph Henry and Anna Mary Meyers, whose children
were as follows: i. John H. A., born October 7, 1829, married April 22.
1851, Susan Mills, and died November 14, 1884. 2. Mary, aforementioned as
•wife of Edward Frauenheim. 3. John F. J., born Jaiuiarv 24, 1835, died 1836.
-ul,- ^s^a^u^^^JU^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 153
4. John H., born January 10. 1837, died August 12, 1838. 5. May Catherine,
born August 21, 1839, died October 30, 1840. 6. Joseph, born September 5,
1S41, married Mary Rioser, and died July 30, 1896. 7. Josephine, born Jan-
uary 18, 1844. 8. Alphonso Alycon, born March 22, 1846. 9. Anna S., born
March 6, 1848, died February 20, 1877. 10. Anthony. 11. Marie Agnes, born
January 14, 1850. died July 22, 1850. Joseph H. Meyers, father of these chil-
dren, was born in Germany, April 13, 1800, and died November 4, 1882. He
came to the United States and located first in Baltj^nore, Maryland, November
14, 1836, and removed from there to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1837.
He became a citizen of the United States in January, 1842. His wife, Anna
Mary Meyers, was born in Hanover, Germany, December 17, 1809, and came
to the United States November 18, 1828.
Mrs. Mary (Meyers) Frauenheim accompanied her parents from Ger-
many. She received her primary education at St. Philomena's school, Four-
teenth and Penn streets, and subsequently pursued higher branches of education.
Her onlv surviving sister is Mother M. Evangelista, a learned and famous
woman in the Catholic church. She is the mother-general in the United States
of the Sisters of Notre Dame, whose mother house is in Baltimore, Maryland.
Mrs. Frauenheim was a devout follower of the tenets of the Roman Catholic
church, and contributed largely of her ample means to the numerous charities
connected with the church of her choice, St. Augustine's, on Thirty-seventh
street, to the erection of which she donated one hundred and twenty-five thou-
sand dollars. Both she and her daughter Rose were deeply interested in the
welfare of tlie church and various hospitals and in adding to the happiness and
comfort of the poor and unfortunate in the community. She was also a
generous donor to several charitable institutions in western Pennsylvania.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Frauenheim are as follows :
I. Aloysius, see forward. 2. Mary, married W. A. Heyl, and their children
are : Anna R., Elizabeth Florence, Alexander Theodore, Josephine, William
Edward and Clementine. 3. Rose, unmarried. 4. Clara Josephine, married
J. J. O'Reilly, and has children : Louisa, Rose Marie, Agnes Elizabeth, Edward
F. and Josephine. 5. Edward J., whose sketch follows this in the work. 6.
August A., see forward. 7. Clementine E., married William N. Epping, whose
sketch follows that of Edward J. Frauenheim in this work.
Aloysius Frauenheim, eldest child of Edward and Mary (Meyers) Frauen-
heim, was born in Riceville, a part of the city of Pittsburg, November 25, 1851,
and died January 18, 1900. at his late residence on Stanton avenue. He at-
tended St. Philomena parochial school, known as Holy Trinity, making his first
communion in Holy Trinity. Subsequently he attended St. Vincent's College,
at Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was
graduated. He secured his first real employment in the German National Bank
of Pittsburg, where he held several responsible positions, commencing in that
well-known banking house as bookkeeper, in which capacity he served five
years. He next entered the employ of the firm of Frauenheim & Vilsack. In
1889 the firm was merged into the Iron City Brewing Company, and he was
elected its secretary and treasurer, which position he held until the formation of
the new company, known as the Pittsburg Brewing Company, and of this con-
solidated company he was elected president. Ai the time of his death he was
vice-president of the German National Bank of Pittsburg, the Epping-Carpenter
Company, and the German Catholic Press Company, publishers of the Pitts-
154 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
bur^ Bcobiichter and the Obscrx'cr. He was also director of the Pennsylvania
National Bank and the East End Charity Hospital, a member of the board of
trustees of St. Augustine's church, of which he has been a member for many
years and also its treasurer, and a member of Branch No. 45, C. M. B. A., and
of Branch No. 5, Knights of St. George, and of the Poor Souls' Society.
In his church life he was indeed most devout and zealous. He was one
of the leading members of St. Augustine's church and congregation, and in
this, as well as other parishes, he was a liberal supporter of all charitable and
truly religious works. He, together with other members of his family, donated
one hundred thousand dollars toward the erection of the new edifice of St.
Augustine. Politically Mr. Frauenheim was a supporter of the Democratic
party. He represented his ward, which was then the Fifteenth in the city, as
a member of its select council, in 1881, and also from 1890 to 1894. When the
("lerman National Bank was about to close its doors he undertook to save it
from collapse, and this work, as well as constant strain and mental anxiety,
undermined his health, and from the effects of it he never full)' recovered. It
was the banking house his father had helped to found, and hence he had more
than ordinary interest in its welfare and in keeping its name and honor good
before the financial world.
Mr. Frauenheim married Catharine Heyl, daughter of the late Martin
Heyl, the well-known tobacco merchant of Pittsburg.- Their children were :
Joseph A., Camille Marie. (Mrs. Reill}-), Harry T., Alav Florence, Aloysius,
Edward and Anna Katherine.
The following facts have been copied from the files of the Pittsburg
Observer of January 25, 1900, and have relation to the character of Mr. Aloy-
sius I'rauenheim, with some details concerning his funeral rites :
"He was the first to discover the unstable condition of the German Na-
tional Bank and labored unceasingly to get the bank's afifairs in such shape that
the creditors would not lose their money. He gave his time unsparinglv to
the settlement of the bank's afifairs, and finally; when the Comptroller of
Currency examined its condition and exacted the one condition upon which
the bank might resume its business — that being that the bank building should
be purchased — Mr. Frauenheim and his father's partner, Leopold \'ilsack,
within forty-eight hours furnished the money ($450,000), and had the satisfac-
tion of seeing the institution resume its business."
"He was in no way connected with the circumstances which led to the
bank's condition, but he felt a keen pride in its stability, as it had been partly
founded by his father, Edward Frauenheim."
"Within ten days of his death he tendered his resignation as president of
the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, which the board of directors declined to
accept. They passed resolutions granting him a year's leave of absence, on full
pay, but this he refused on the ground that he could not accept compensation
where he was unable to perform the work."
"He was extremely fond of music, being an accomplished pianist, and when
but seventeen years of age played the organ at Saint Paul's Cathedral. He was
a director of several musical societies."
"He did much in the way of private charities, but alwavs shrank from any
sort of publicity in connection with such gifts."
"The funeral was from Saint Augustine's church. The edifice was crowded
to the very doorways, while Innidrcds stood outside, unable to gain entrance.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 155
As the remains were borne down the aisle and placed before the sanctuary,
members of Branch Xo. 5, Knights of Saint George, acted as guards of honor.
Solemn High Mass of Requiem was celebrated, with Reverend Father Hyacinth
officiating, supported by Father Charles, Father Didakus and Father Raphael,
with others. At the same time masses were said at the two side altars by
Fathers Gregory and Alphonsus. Bishop Leo Hard, of North Carolina, preached
the funeral sermon, and spoke tenderly of the Christian graces of the deceased,
and paid a tribute to him as a good son, a good husband, a good father, a good
citizen and a good friend. The congregation was made up of rich and poor,
prominent and lowly. Catholics and Protestants. At Saint Mary's cemetery
about three thousand people gathered by the time the funeral procession of over
one hundred and seventy carriages arrived, and while the casket was being
lowered the orphan children sang a dirge, after which the Benedictus was sung
by the priests, and this was followed by a dirge by the male chorus. Beautiful
flowers were furnished by members of the various societies to which the
deceased man had been a member.
"The pallbearers were: Messrs. M. H. Hager, Berger, William E. Lich-
enlaub, Anthony Schillo, J. H. Friday, William Hoeveler, Michael Winter and
William Loeffler."
August A. Frauenheim, son of Edward and Mary (Meyers) Frauenheim,
was born in the city of Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, November 10, 1866. He
attended the schools of his native city, also St. Vincent's College, at Latrobe,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated.
He then entered his father's office and was later made a member of the firm in
the brewing business known as the Iron City Brewing Company. He also
became one of the directors, and after the death of his father, and when the
company was consolidated and became known as the Pittsburgh Brewing Com-
pan}-, he was retained as one of its active directors. He is a director of the
German National Bank, of which his father was one of the founders, the
Duquesne Fireproofing Company, the Epping-Carpenter Company, of which
he is vice-president, and many other enterprises, and is also president of the
Iron City. Sanitary Alanufacturing Company. Socially he is connected with the
Duquesne, Country and German Clubs.
Mr. Frauenheim married Marie A. Deitrich, daughter of Francis J. Diet-
rich, who is classed among the prominent citizens of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
EDWARD J. FRAUENHEIAl was during a long and active career one
of Pittsburg's most representative citizens — a man of large business concerns ;
connected with many industrial and financial institutions ; at times very active in
public aiifairs ; deeply interested in benevolent causes, and enjoying a degree of
confidence and esteem which would have opened to him broad avenues in
political life had he chosen to engage therein.
He was born February 13, 1865, in Fifth avenue, Pittsburg, near Pride
street. His parents were Edward and Mary (Meyers) Frauenheim, whose
family records appear on other pages of this work. After attending the public
schools he entered St. Vincent's College, where he completed the full course
and graduated with honors. He then entered his father's office and was asso-
ciated with him until the death of the parent. When the Pittsburgh Brewing
Company was organized he was one of the most active factors in its establish-
156 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ment, was elected to the vice-presidency of the corporation, and discharged
the duties of the position with unexceptionable diligence and ability until his
death. He was also largely interested in various other important enterprises
having leading places in the commercial life of the city : The Iron City Sani-
tary Manufacturing Company, of which he was president ; the Duquesne Fire-
proofing Company, of which he was vice-president ; the German National Bank,
of which he was vice-president ; and the East End Savings and Trust Company,
the Epping-Carpenter Company, the Turtle Creek Land and Improvement
Company, and the Beobachter Publishing Company, in each of which he was a
director.
Mr. Frauenheim was a Democrat in politics and took an active part in
political affairs, but without any purpose to self-advancement. He was honored
by election as delegate to the Democratic national convention in 1896. After
the adoption of the new city charter of Pittsburg he was urged to accept the
nomination of his party for the mayoralty, but declined to allow the use of his
name. Under the administration of Mayor William B. Hays, Mr. Frauenheim
was appointed city treasurer, and he discharged the duties of this important
position with entire fidelity and great ability until shortly before his death, when
he resigned on account of his impaired health.
Mr. Frauenheim was a Roman Catholic in religion, a communicant and
trustee of St. Augustine's church, of which his parents were among the earliest
attendants, and he as well as they were always among the most liberal con-
tributors to its support and in aid of its various benevolences. He was a highly
popular member of various leading clubs — the Duquesne, the Monongahela, the
Columbus and .the Pittsburg Country Clubs. He was a man of tender and
sympathetic disposition, and was deeply interested in the East End Hospital,
both in a personal way and as a member of its board of directors. His
benevolences were not, however, restricted to organized bodies, and many
individuals were in times of need the recipients of his bounty.
Mr. Frauenheim was married, October 2, 1889, to Marie Antoinette Vil-
sack, eldest daughter of Leopold Vilsack, his father's former business partner.
Of this marriage were born children : Dorothy L., Edward J., Jr., Walter
Gordon, Marie Regina, Norman A., William A. and Richard J- Frauenheim.
Mr. Frauenheim died at his home in East End, June 28, 1905, in the
forty-first year of his age. The funeral services took place in St. Joseph's
Roman Catholic church, Bloomfield, on June 30, and were attended by a very
large concourse of friends, which included representatives of every phase of
city life — masters of industry and finance, professional men, and officers and
members of various prominent organizations, all bearing testimony by their
presence to the public recognition of the lame'nted deceased as a man of great
usefulness of life and lofty character. The interment took place in St. Mary's
cemetery.
WILLIAM N. EPPING. general manager of the Epping-Carpenter Man-
ufacturing Company, was born in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October
12, 1869, son of Henry and Amanda (King) Epping.
The father was iDorn in Germany in 1844. He married Amanda King,
hf)rn in America, and is still living. Her husband died at Pittsburg in 1895.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Epping were: i. Mathilda K., de-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 157
ceased. 2. William N., of whom further mention is made. 3. Henry M.,
deceased. 4. Ellen AL, deceased. 5. Edward L., deceased. 6. John R. 7.
Raymond L.
William N. Epping received his education at the public schools of Pitts-
burg, graduating from the high school June 28, 1888, from whence he entered
the employ of the Carbon Steel Company as its purchasing agent and pay-
master. He continued at this for six years, resigning in 1894, to accept the
position of cashier in the Pittsburg postoffice under John D. O'Donnell, post-
master. At the expiration of four years he accepted the position of general
manager and secretary of the Epping-Carpenter Company, manufacturers of
pumping machinery, which position he still holds (1907).
Politically Air. Epping is independent and in his religious faith is a Ro-
man Catholic.
Air. Epping was imited in marriage, November 28, 1894, to Miss Clemen-
tine E., daughter of Edward and Mary R. (Meyer) Frauenheim. To this
union were born: Inez Elizabeth,' November 11, 1899; William Edward, July
8, 1902, and Clementine Elizabeth, June 30, 1907.
(For the Frauenheim family see preceding sketches.)
CAPTAIN WILLIAM STEWART McKEE, expert stairbuilder by
trade, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1871, a son of Joseph and
Hannah (May) McKee. His father was born in Ireland, March 17, 1832, and
lived in Scotland until 1850, when he came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at the
age of seventeen years. Here he engaged in the hotel business. He married
Hannah May and by that union were born the following children: i. James,
born in 1859, died in 1863. 2. Lizzie, born in 1861, died in 1865. 3. Annie,
Airs. Alaloney, born in 1863. 4. George B., born in April, 1865. 5. Blanche,
born January 9, 1867, married Air. Van Ballcken. 6. Lillie, born January
I, 1869, wife of Air. Wright. 7. William Stewart, subject, born June 9, 1871.
8. Joseph, born September 3, 1873. 9. Alary, born in 1875, -wife of Air. An-
drews, lb. Lydia, born in 1878, wife of Mr. Donnall. The mother died in
the month of September, 1892.
William S. AIcKee, of this notice, was educated in the Pittsburg public
schools and at the Iron City College of the same city. He was of the opinion
that the far west would afford him a better opportunity to advance in a busi-
ness career, and went to Utah, where he followed the life of a ranchman until
1891, when he returned to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and here learned the stair-
builders' trade, which business he followed until 1898. In February of that
year he was elected captain of Company F of the Fourteenth Regiment of
Pennsylvania National Guards. On February 4, 1898, he entered the United
States Volunteer Service, and was commissioned captain by the governor.
He was mustered out of service at Somerville, South Carolina, February 28,
1899. During his service he was at Hastings. Pennsylvania; Fort Delaware;
Fort Alott, New Jersey ; Camp Alead, Pennsylvania, and Camp Alonroe, South
Carolina. On September 19, 1905, he was elected Alajor of the Fourteenth
Regiment, N. G. P. .
Upon his return from "the Spanish-American war he engaged in the hotel
business en Frankstown avenue. Pittsburg. In 1902 his house burned and his
only son, Harry AIcKee, lost his life in the fire. After this sad occurrence
158 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mr. ^McKee removed to Homewood, where he is now engaged in the hotel
business.
In 1891 he married Miss A. Smith Dean, the daughter of Wilham Dean, of
Barnsley, England. Pohtically, Mr. McKee is a supporter of the RepubUcan
party, and in his rehgious faith is an EpiscopaHan. He is a member of the
Pittsburg Lodge of Elks, No. 11 ; Ivy Lodge, K. of P., No. 4; United Spanish
War Veterans, No. i. Department of Pennsylvania; Wilkinsburg Lodge, No.
1048, Fraternal Order of Eagles; the Homewood Board of Trade; Junior
Order United American Mechanics, No. 38; and the Homewood Conclave,
Independent Order of Heptasophs.
JOHN PETER JACOB YOUNG, a life-long resident of Pittsburg and
now on the list of her retired business men, was born June 13, 1846, on Penn
street, a son of Jacob Young, who was born June 30, 181 2, in the town of
Rehvwer, Rhenish Bavaria, where he received a limited education and learned
the cabinet maker's trade. In October, 1836, he came to the United States and
settled in Pittsburg, where he worked at his trade for the Singer Company and
the Woodwells Company. For a few years he was foreman in the John Mackle-
wain Furniture Company, after which he bought Mr. Mackelwain out and for
five years conducted the business. He was an old-time Whig and a member
of the German Lutheran church.
Jacob Young was thrice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Swarjn,
born February 12, 1813, in Rhenish Bavaria. Their children were: Angert,
wife of August Mueller, a contractor, children, Adella, Dickerman, Joseph
Max; John Peter Jacob, of whom later; Elizabeth, and Joseph. Mrs. Young
died September 13, 1850, and Mr. Young subsequently married Catharine
Miller, a native of Prussia, who bore him four children: Catharine, Amelia,
Frederick and George. The third wife of Jacob Young was Rosealia Good,
born in Europe, and the following were their children : Anna, Rosie and
William.
John Peter Jacob Young, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Swarm) Young,
^graduated from Hazlet's Academy, on the Brownsville Road, and in 1862 en-
listed in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, Colonel Collier commanding. ]\Ir. Young served with the rank
of corporal, participating in the battles of Antietam and the Wilderness, and
was also in the three days' conflict at Gettysburg, where he was wounded in
the neck and almost lost his speech. He was then transferred to Company
I, Fourteenth Regiment, Veteran Reserves, and remained in the service until
the close of the war.
After his return home he was for five years engaged in the express busi-
ness, and then for twenty years devoted himself to the scrap iron industry, re-
tiring in 1903. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic,
and in politics is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Grant. He is a
member of Grace Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the first trustees.
Mr. Young married Catiiarine, born September 7, 1853, daughter of Dan-
iel and Catharine Dailey, the former of Irish descent and the first drayman
of Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Young became the parents of the following chil-
dren: I. John W., born December 29, 1873, graduated from Duff's College
with a life certificate, and is now a translator for the Pennig Postal Cable
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 159
Company, New York. He married Josephine Alinyun of that city, and they
have one child, Ahce. 2. Oliver George, born January 23, 1875, died May 20,
1888. 3. Ralph Dailey, born January 16, 1876, graduated from Duff's College,
and since June, 1907, with his brother, Howard, has owned the McElroy & Co.
Broom and Paper Manufacturing Company. He married Maggie Kester, of
Pittsburg, and they have one child, Margaret. 4. Grace Edna, born March
5, 1878, graduated from Duff's College and became the wife of William Herb-
ster, manager for John Sichley, Jr., Company. 5. Howard, born September
12, 1879, a graduate of Duft''s College, and now purchasing agent for the
Boston Store, Pittsburg. He married Gertrude Brandt. 6. Catharine May,
born May 19, 1881, graduated from Duff's College and became the wife of
Roy Anderson, bookkeeper for the American Bridge Company, Pittsburg.
They have one child, John. 7. Elizabeth Roth, born January 22, 1883, grad-
uated from Duff's College and became the wife of Robert Reno, glass manu-
facturer of Freedom, Pennsylvania. They have three children : John, Eliza-
beth and Howard.
The mother of these children died July 4, 1888, and Mr. Young, not long
after, married her sister, Maggie Dailey, born April 13, 1863. Mr. and Mrs.
Young are the parents of three children: Edith Margaret, born January 21,
1890, a graduate of Duff's College; Earl \\'ell, born August 8, 1891, attending
Union High School, and Ruth Olive, born February 3, 1900, at school.
ADAM HAHN, who has been for half a century a resident of Pittsburg
and has served his day and generation both as a citizen and as a soldier, was
born July 25, 1842, in the Grand Duchy of Hessen, Germany, son of Herman
Hahn, a native of the same place, where he was born April 5, 1809. He re-
ceived a limited education and followed the calling of a farmer. In 1847 he
came to the United States, making the voyage in six weeks and landing in New
York, whence he proceeded to Pittsburg, settling in Birmingham, now the
Twenty-ninth ward. For seven years he was employed in Ihmsen's glass
house, and in 1854 moved to Monroe county, Ohio, where he bought a farm of
one hundred and twenty-four acres, which he cultivated for a year and a half.
He then sold the property, returned to Pittsburg, and again obtained employ-
ment in the glass works, remaining until 1874, when he retired. Politically
he was a Republican, and cast his first vote in 1852 for Franklin Pierce. He
was a member of the German United Presbyterian church, in which for many
^•ears he served as elder. A church in the Twenty-sixth ward was named in
his honor.
Mr. Hahn married Anna Eva Diehle, born in April, 1809, in Germany,
and their children were: i. Jacob, born in 1834, in Germany, as were all his
brothers and one sister. He was manager of the Pittsburg Ihmsen Lim Glass
Works, and he and his wife were members of the Ruster church. He married
Catharine Erbe, of Pittsburg. Children : Herman, John, Catharine and Ma-
tilda. Jacob Hahn died September i, 1901. 2. John, born in 1837, employed
as a bottle blower at Ihmsen's Glass Works. He married Sophia Pheil, of
Pittsburg. Children : Amanda, Wilhelmina, William, Harry and Anna. 3.
Mary, wife of Joseph Schmidt, a mill worker of Tennessee. 4. Adam, of
whom later. 5. Louisa, born in September, 1849, in Pittsburg ; wife of John
i6o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Nusser, a native of Germany and a lithographer. Children: William, Annie,
Katharine, Edna, Mabel and May.
Adam Hahn, son of Herman and Anna Eva (Diehle) Hahn, was five
years old when brought b}- his parents to the United States in 1847. He at-
tended school for about five years, and when in his twelfth year entered. the
glass works, where he was employed until the age of eighteen. He then learned
the carpenter's trade, which he made the occupation of his life, also engaging
in contracting and helping to build some of the finest churches in Pittsburg.
He also constructed the largest and finest window-frame in Pennsylvania.
In 1864 he enlisted in the Fifth Heavy Artillery Regiment of Pennsylvania
and received an honorable discharge June 30, 1865, having served against the
Moseby guerrillas. For many years he has filled the office of assessor. In
politics he is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He
is a member of the Rlister church.
Mr. Hahn married, July i, 1866, the Reverend Pholster, of the United
Presb)'terian Ruster church, officiating, Amanda Louisa Lauer, and they be-
came the parents of the following children: i. Herman, born October 12,
1867, graduated from the Pittsburg high school and attended Dufif's Business
College ; now a carpenter in Pittsburg. He married Katharine Seese, of Pitts-
burg; one child, Le Roy. 2. Catharine, born January 10, 1870, died July 28,
1870. 3. Anna Elizabeth, born August 25, 1871, wife of James O. Fisher,
of Pittsburg, assistant manager in a furniture store ; children, Oliver, Athalia,
Dorothy and Volorse. 4. Amanda Louise, born May 29, 1874, wife of Wil-
liam Hagmeier, a railroad track inspector of Pittsburg ; children, Anna, Wil-
liam, Harry and Amanda. 5. George Henry, born September 7, 1876, head
bookkeeper at McKinney's brass works ; married Minnie Neeb ; one child,
Raymond. 6. Clara, born July 7, 1881 ; wife of William Kauffeld, salesman
in shoe store in Pittsburg: children, Amy Amanda and Charles William. All
the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hahn were born in Pittsburg.
Mrs. Hahn is a daughter of Henry Lauer, who was born September 15,
1810, in Prussia, and in 1833 came to the United States and settled in Pitts-
burg, where he engaged in business as a brewer. He married Christina Stan-
ger, also a native of Germany, and one child was born to them, Amanda Louisa,
wife of Adam Hahn. Mrs. Lauer died September 15, 1868, and the death of
Mr. Lauer occurred September 15, 1879.
THOMAS A. INGRAM. The first of this Ingram family to come to
America was the subject's grandfather, Thomas Ingram, born near Belfast,
Ireland, and who came to this country in 1818, with his son, Edward Ingram,
father of the subject of this sketch. (See Mary Ingram sketch.) Edward
Ingram married Sarah Arthurs, daughter of William and Rachel Arthurs, na-
tives of Scotland. They had five sons, as follows: i. Thomas A., of whom
later. 2. William. 3. Nathaniel. 4. Arthur. 5. Edward. These children
all died in infancy, except Thomas A., of this notice. Edward was a farmer
and a large portion of the five hundred acre tract taken by his father descended
to him. He was a member of the Episcopal church, as had been his forefath-
ers. He died in May, 1877, survived by his wife and Thomas A., his son.
His wife died in June, 1905.
Thomas A. Ingram was born in Chartiers township, now in the borough
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE i6i
of Ingram, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1854. He was educated at the
public schools and the Western University of Pennsylvania. In 1870 he en-
tered the Chambersburg College, where he remained until 1872, when he en-
tered the Iron City Bank of Pittsburg, remained one year, and in 1874 engaged
in the real estate business on his own account in Pittsburg. In 1876 he left
the city and returned to his home on the farm, marrying Nannie A. Forse,
daughter of William and Mary (Boyer) Forse, and two sons blessed this
union — Thomas, born June 22, 1877, married Virtue Palmer, of Ingram, and
Howard, born in 1887, died in 1890. Since his marriage Mr. Ingram has re-
mained on his farm, on a part of which stands the borough of Ingram. The
station on the railroad was named in honor of his father. A greater part of
the farm has been converted into building lots and sold. Mr. Ingram, like all
of his ancestors, is an Episcopalian in faith and profession. Politically he af-
filiates with the Republican party.
MACWERTH ^I. \\'ALLY, one of the successful men who engaged in
the oil producing business, and now a resident of Etna, a suburb of Pittsburg,
was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, December 5, 1866, the son of
Thomas and Sarah A. (Crafford) Wally, the latter born in 1841.
(I) The great-grandfather was a native of Scotland, the date of his com-
ing to America not now known, but he settled in Clarion county, Pennsylvania,
near Eldorado, where he reared his family. He was a pioneer in Methodism.
One of his sons, Nicholas Wally, resided at Marionsburg and Silver Creek,
where he owned and operated a grist mill.
(II) John Wally, the grandfather of the subject of this notice, was born
in Clarion county. Pennsylvania, in 1805, and married Charlotte Trutby, by
whom was born the following children : William, Polly, Catherine, John L.,
Thomas, Nancy Ann, James, Theressa and Caroline. The father of this
family was a farmer all his life and died in 1882. He was interested in
educational matters and all that tended to elevate his fellow-men. In church
relations. he was a Alethodist and a very devout Christian. He was benevolent
and full of deeds of genuine charity. . Politically he was a Democrat and
served as school director for many years.
(III) Thomas Wally, the father of the subject, was born in Armstrong
county in 1838. He learned the carpenter's trade and followed contracting
and building. He built boats for others and one for himself, which he used in
the transportation of oil from Oil City to Pittsburg for some time. When the
oil excitement had somewhat subsided he sold his boat and followed the oil
fields, contracting and rig building. In 1899 he returned to his farm, where
he still resides. He loves to relate the early experiences of his life in the
great oil fields. Politically he is a Democrat, and in church relations a Metho-
dist. He has served as assessor of his township of Perry, in Allegheny
county, and in other local offices, including that of school director.
He married Sarah Cratiford, daughter of William Crafford and wife.
They were the parents of the following children: i. James C, born in 1861,
married Cora Steel. 2. Perry L., born in 1862, married Carrie Burger. 3.
Alexander, born in 1864, married Emma Steel. 4. Macwerth M., married
Lucy Hamilton. 5. Olive M., born in 1869, died aged twenty-one years. 6.
W. C, born in 1871, married Emma Kenese. 7. Rebecca, born in 1873,
iii— 11
i62 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
unmarried. 8, Charlotte, born in 1875, unmarried. 9. Jemima, born in 1877,
died aged eight years. 10. John S., born in 1880, married Mary Strosnider.
II. Jennie, born in 1882', married Albert Calhoun. 12. Thomas O., born in
1885, unmarried and at home.
(I\') Macwerth M. Wally, the fourth child of Thomas and Sarah (Craf-
ford) Wally, was reared and educated in Perry township, Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, and when a young man entered the oil fields as a driller and
tool man, working his way up to a driller and contractor. At the present
time he is among the most successful oil producers and owns one of the fine
homes in Greater Pittsburg. He is connected with the Brotherhood of Elks,
No. 932. In religious faith he is a Baptist, and politically a supporter of the
Democratic party.
On June 2, 1898. he married Lucy Hamilton, daughter of Benjamin and
Alverna (Wright) Hamilton. Benjamin Hamilton was born May 17, 1854. at
New Freeport, a son of Hughey and Ellen Hamilton. Hughey Hamilton was
a prominent farmer and extensive land owner, politically a Democrat, and in
church relations was a Methodist. Alverna (Wright) Hamilton was born in
March; 1859, at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George and
Lucy Wright, of Waynesburg, Greene county, Pennsylvania. George Wright
held many offices, including that of sheriff, and was a Methodist. Mr. and
Mrs. Wally are the parents of one daughter — Georgia A., born April 12,
1899. Lucy Hamilton Wally was born February 18, 1877, born and raised
at New Freeport, Green county, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the
Waynesburg College in 1893, and received a very fine musical education.
In religious faith she is a prominent member, an enthusiastic worker and
strong supporter of the Baptist church. Benjamin Hamilton, her father, is
a great advocator of good roads, and was a road commissioner of Greene
county for years. He is a blacksmith and machinist by trade, and owns one
of the finest shops in the county. In church relations he is a Baptist, and
politically a supporter of the Democratic party.
JAMES BLACKWELL JONES, the principal head of the iron and steel
firm of J. B. Jones & Company, North Side, Pittsburg, and prominently con-
nected with the financial institutions of Pittsburg, was born in Allegheny, July
10, 1853, a son of Edward and Mary Jones, and grandson of Edward and
Elizabeth ( Blackwell ) Jones.
Edward Jones (grandfather) was a native of England, from which
country he crossed the ocean, settling first in Canada, near Hamilton, where
he was engaged in farming. He later came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where
he lived retired in Westview, Ross township, until 1892 when, accompanied
by his wife, he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where his married daughter, Julia,
resided. Mrs. Jones, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Blackwell, and who
was married to Mr. Jones in England, bore him four children, as follows: i.
Edward, Jr., see forward. 2. James B., now of Milwaukee, formerly a partner
with his brother Edward in the iron and steel business. In 1870 he removed
t»j Milwaukee where, after twenty-five years' manufacturing corks and bungs
he now lives a retired life. He is a man of pleasing manner and personalitv,
and is highly esteemed for his many sterling qualities. 3. John, who lived a
short time in Pittsburg, after which he went west. 4. Julia, married, and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 163
resides in Cleveland, Ohio. ^Ir. and Airs. Jones were Presbyterians in religion
and he was a Republican in politics. He died at the age of eighty, and his
wife attained the same age. dying at about the same time as her husband.
Edward Jones, Jr. (father), was born in England and came to America
with his parents when a mere child. He was educated in the Canadian schools
and followed farming in his early days. On attaining his majority he revisited
his English home, where he married and returned to Canada with his bride,
a winsome Irish lass. In 1848 he came to Pittsburg, where he was a merchant
on Liberty street. After a few years of mercantile life he sold his business
and established with his brother, James B., the iron and steel firm that is now
conducting business under the name of J. B. Jones & Company. He dissolved
partnership with James B. and entered the queens and glassware business,
continuing until his death by an accident in 1858, aged forty. He was an
alert, progressive business man and a good citizen. He was a member of the
Presbyterian church and affiliated with the Republican party. He was kind-
hearted and affectionate in disposition, and universally beloved by all with
whom he was brought in contact. His wife, Mary, died about 1861, aged
about forty. She rests beside her husband in Mount Union cemetery in Alle-
gheny. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones: i. John B., born
in 1843, died in 1883. In 1870 he founded the firm of J. B. Jones and was an
active member until his death. The place of business was first on Morgan
street. In 1872 he admitted his brother, James B., into the firm and it became
J. B. Jones & Brother. He was prominent in Allegheny city politics and
served in the city council. He enlisted in the Union army and served
eighteen months under Colonel Clark. He was a whole-souled, jovial, gen-
erous man, and known through the length and breadth of Allegheny as "Major
J. B. Jones." He married Catherine Carroll, who bore him three children:
Josephine and William, living, and Edward, deceased. 2. James B., see
forward.
James Blackwell Jones, youngest son of Edward and\Mary Jones, was
educated in the Fourth ward school of Allegheny and in the Xewell Institute
of Pittsburg. He began his business life as clerk for the Clark Transfer Com-
pany. Two years later he entered the employ of his brother, John B., and in
a short time (1872) was admitted to partnership in the iron and steel business,
under the name of J. B. Jones & Brother. In 1882 the present plant on Lacock
street was erected. On the death of John B. Jones, in 1883, he purchased his
interest from the heirs and reorganized the company under the present name
and title, J. B. Jones & Company. The firm conducts an extensive business,
and is well known and highly rated. In addition to this Mr. Jones is a director
of the Land Trust Company, the Allegheny Savings and Trust Company, the
Ben Franklin Insurance Company, the Miller Non-Corrosive Metal Company,
the Columbia Plate Glass Company, all institutions of sterling worth in Pitts-
burg. He is a Republican, and after the death of his brother became actively
interested in the municipal affairs of Allegheny; he represented the Fourth
ward in the council. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian church of
Allegheny. In 1892 he became a member of McKinley Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons ; he holds membership in Allegheny Chapter. Royal Arch
Masons ; .Allegheny Commandery, Knights Templar : Pennsylvania Consistory,
Scottish Rite; and Syria Temple, Xobles of the Mystic Shrine. For the past
thirteen years Mr. Jones has been a resident of the East End, at 4738 Ben
i64 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Venue avenue, where he erected a beautiful house and where he has large
property interests.
Mr. Jones married, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in September, 1874,
Margaret, daughter of Thomas Archibald. She died in 1884, in her thirtieth
year. Their children were: Blanche, died at the age of five years. John,
now a member of the J. B. Jones Company, and prominently identified with
the Masonic bodies in which his father holds membership. He married Lavina
Loder, of East End, Pittsburg. Archibald Nevin, secretary of the J. B.
Jones Company ; he is a Presbyterian in religion and a Republican in politics.
Margaret. Elizabeth Bessie, wife of Harry Dixon Miller, of Pittsburg,
manager of the Miller Non-Corrosive Metal Company, office, Westinghouse
building, Pittsburg. They have one daughter, Jane E. Miller. Mr. Jones
married (second) Jennie Cook, daughter of John and Jane E. Cook, and they
have one daughter, Jane Reed Jones. ' 1
HUGHES AND DAUBENSPECK FAMILIES. These two old families
of Pennsylvania are ably represented today in Greater Pittsburg and through-
out the United States in general through the descendants of John Hughes and
George Daubenspeck. Dr. William George Hughes, the special subject of this
notice, is a grandson of John Hughes and a son of Hudson and Naomi (Dau-
benspeck) Hughes, and was born in North Hope, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
October 26, 1872.
John Hughes, the paternal grandfather, is now a prominent man in Butler
county. His parents were natives of Scotland, and came to this country at an
early date, settling in Pennsylvania, and John was among the early' iron
manufacturers, engaged for many years in the blast furnace business ; he
owned and controlled the Old Maple Furnace in Butler county. He conducted
a successful business and after the old furnace was abandoned he turned his
attention to farming pursuits and subsequently moved to Virginia, where he
embarked in the lumber business. Later he returned to his native state and
became interested in the oil business, which he still follows. At this writing
(1907) he is eighty-five years of age. He has long been an active worker in
the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a liberal contributor in the building
of the Farmington, Pennsylvania, church. He is broad-minded and public-
spirited, believing that the world should and does progress. In his politics he
is a Republican and takes much interest in public matters. He married Miss
Rose Mullin, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, but of Irish extraction.
She died in 1903, and they were the parents of seven children : George,
Hudson, spoken of later; William, Hettie, Wesley, Elmer and Elizabeth, now
Mrs. Robert Blair.
Hudson Hughes, son of John Hughes and wife, was born in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, and died in the autumn of 1881. He received a good
common-school education and learned the blacksmith's trade. For a number
of years he was engaged in the oil business, working at drilling wells and
kindred work connected with oil wells. Later he moved to Virginia anil there
followed the same line of work. He returned to Pennsylvania on account of
failing health, dying in a year or two thereafter, aged about forty years. He,
like his venerable father, was a very energetic and progressive man, and
owned considerable property. He was a local minister in the Methodist Epis-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 165
copal church and frequently preached the Word ; he was of a religious turn
of mind from his earliest youth. He was also a natural genius in many
particulars, being able to do work successfully in many branches where skill
was demanded. It is said of him that he was extremely kind and not lacking
in humor. He married Miss Naomi Daubenspeck, born in 1847, daughter of
George W. and Mary (Mortimore) Daubenspeck, and became the mother of
one son, Dr. Hughes, of this sketch. After the death of Hudson Hughes his
widow married Frank L. Clark, of Oil City, Pennsylvania, who died Septem-
ber 7, 1904, leaving the following children: i. Pearl Irene, wife of Seth V.
Green, and mother of H. H. Vance Green, whose family reside in Butler
county, Pennsylvania. 2. Frank W., a student at this date. Their father,
Mr. Clark, was an expert in coach painting.
On the maternal side, or the Daubenspeck line of the ancestry of Dr.
Hughes, George Daubenspeck was the great-great-grandfather, and he emi-
grated from Germany to America about 1780, settling east of the Allegheny
mountains in Pennsylvania, and took up a tract of land along the Allegheny
river or its tributaries. He had three sons, who came to Armstrong and
Butler counties.
George Daubenspeck, son of the George just named, was born in 1790
and died in 1850. He followed farming, having a splendid farm of six hundred
acres in Parker township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, which he divided
among his children. In his religion he was a member of the German Re-
formed church. He married a Miss Meales, who lived to be nearly eighty
years of age, and was the mother of eighteen children and not one pair of
twins. They reared a family of eight children : Jacob, Polly, Lydia, Peggie,
George, Samuel, Lewis, William, John and Betsy.
George W. Daubenspeck, son of George (II), was born in ]\Iarch, 1816,
and died July 23, 1904. He received a common school education and owned a
three-hundred acre farm given to him by his father, and upon which he resided
until 1891 when, on account of the death of his wife, he sold and moved to
Oil City, Pennsylvania, and lived a retired life. He was a member of the
Lutheran church, contributing both time and money toward the up-building
of the same. He was a man of more than usual prominence in public aflfairs
in his township and county, filling various offices, including those of veterinary
surgeon and school director, he ever taking much interest in the public schools.
He married Mary Mortimore, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and
they were blessed with the following children: i. William, born in 1844,
died in 1867. 2. Naomi (mother of Dr. Hughes). 3. Subina, wife of C. C.
Kramer. 4. John C, of Butler county, Pennsylvania. 5. Perkins L., died
aged twenty-three years. 6. Oliver P., of North Washington, Pennsylvania.
7. Marcus B., of Franklin, Pennsylvania. 8. George A., of Franklin, Penn-
sylvania, who has been since 1897 in the employ of the Prudential Insurance
Company, where he has been assistant superintendent for the past seven years.
He was engaged in mercantile business at Oil City. Pennsylvania, and was a
justice of the peace. Later he moved to Caster's Corners, Crawford county,
Pennsylvania, and engaged in the same business, and was made postmaster
there. He is a member of the First Baptist church and politically is a Repub-
lican. He belongs to Lodge No. 255, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
stands high in the community in which he resides. He was united in marriage
to Cora Hagan, daughter of William Hagan, of Oil City, Pennsylvania. Their
i66 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
children are : DeWitt, Ruth M. and Perry L. 9. Mary C, wife of Albert
Cramer, died in 1888. 10. Margret I., wife of Lewis Eberheart, residing at
present in West Virginia. 11. Jennie, wife of Dan Clark, of Oil City. 12.
Nora, died at age of thirteen.
Dr. William George Hughes, subject, who is prominent in the dental
profession of Greater Pittsburg, was one of the first to graduate from the
Pittsburgh Dental College. He spent his early life attending the public
schools. His father died when he was but nine years of age, when a boy most
needs the paternal care, and young Hughes was employed in a cigar factory
at Oil City, Pennsylvania. Later he became a messenger boy in the employ
of the B., N. Y. & P. railroad, in the office of the superintendent, where he
became time-keeper. Not fully satisfied that that was the line of work he most
desired, he went into the shops of the Innis Engine Company to learn the
trade of a machinist, and from there went to the Oil City Boiler Works, then
to Joseph Reed & Company, and next to the Standard Oil Company's "Na-
tional Transit Company," where he remained for seven years, part of the time
employed in the electrical department, over which he had charge for one year.
During this engagement he attended night school, and in 1895 decided to take
up dentistry for his profession and went to Warren, Ohio, where he was
apprenticed to Dr. H. E. Dunn. The next year he came to Pittsburg and
entering the Western University of Pennsylvania (dental department), gradu-
ated from that institution with the first graduating class which was sent out
from the college. While attending college he ran the Monongahela House
electrical plant, and when the Park Building was completed he operated the
plant there. After completing his dental course he began the practice of his
profession, at the same time carrying on business with A. S. Jones, doing
electrical work and equipping steamboats with electric plants, as well as other
electrical work. He conducted his dental parlors at Nc 6216 Penn avenue
from 1899 to 1905, when he removed to his present location at 6223 Penn
avenue, where he now enjoys a lucrative practice.
He is a member of the Odontological Society; of the Free and Accepted
Masons ; and of Gourgus Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. R. The Doctor is
a member of the Second Presbyterian church of Pittsburg.
He was united in marriage, April 16, 1901, to Sarah Rankin, born in
Pittsburg, daughter of William W. and Eliza (Glass) Rankin, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. This union was blessed with two children, Francis Naomi,
born January 13, 1904, died aged ten months, and William Rankin, born
March 18, 1905, died at the age of one year.
GEORGE COLEMAN BLACKMORE, president. of the United States
Radiator & Boiler Company, of Pittsburg, was born July 17, 1866, in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, son of William Blackmore, and grandson of James Black-
more who was of an ancient family which had its origin in the Highlands of
Scotland.
Earlv in the last century James Blackmore, with his brothers, John and
Philip, migrated to the south of England, taking up their abode at Truro,
Cornwall. James subsequently settled permanently at a place called New
Bridge, or Buzzoar, where he passed the remainder of. his life. He was the
father of four sons : John, whose children were William, John, Frank and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 167
Elizabeth ; Thomas, whose only surviving child is James, of Toronto, Canada ;
William, of whom later; and Richard, who has two daughters, Annie and
Ellen. James Blackmore, the father, died in 1825.
William Blackmore, son of James Blackmore, was born in 1816, at Truro,
Cornwall, learned mechanical engineering and practiced that profession in his
native country. About 1840 he emigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto,
where he obtained a position as mechanical engineer with the Grand Trunk
Railway Company, which he held until the close of his life. He was a man of
deep religious feeling, being a very active member of the Wesleyan Methodist
Episcopal church of Toronto, in which he served as elder, and to the work of
which he was earnestly devoted.
William Blackmore married Julia Elizabeth Stevens, and there were
eleven children born to them. The death of W'illiam Blackmore, the father
of this large family, occurred in 1870. His wife. Julia Elizabeth, died in 1894.
George Coleman Blackmore, son of William and Julia Elizabeth
(Stevens) Blackmore, passed the first twelve years of his life in Toronto,
going thence, in 1878, to St. Thomas, and receiving his education in the
schools of these two places. In 1886 he went to New York, where he engaged
in business for himself as president and general manager of the Blackmore
Heating Company. Later he came to Pittsburg and engaged in the manufac-
ture of heating appliances, becoming president of the United States Radiator
& Boiler Company, the position which he now holds. He is president of
another important company and director in a number of others. In 1905 he
moved witla his family to Edgewood Park, where he erected a handsome
dwelling on Maple avenue. He is a member of the Edgewood Presbyterian
church.
Mr. Blackmore married, in 1896, Jennie Belle, daughter of Alexander
and Elizabeth (Lawther) Mcllwain, of Kittaning, Armstrong county, Penn-
sylvania, and they have become the parents of the following children : George,
Wilfred, Dorothy Mildred, Norman Lawther and Virginia Belle.
GEORGE W. ELY, M. D., one of the younger generation of physicians
who have attained prominence in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has a
large and lucrative practice, and is possessed of the confidence and esteem of
the entire community. He has not hesitated to place his life at the disposal of
his country, and was in active service in the United States army in the
Philippines for two years.
Magloire Ely, father of Dr. George W. Ely. was born in Burlington,
Vermont, in 1828, and was extensively engaged in the manufacture of window
glass. He was a man of considerable prominence in his district and was pres-
ident of the school board for many years. He married Mary Voran, and had
children: George W., see forward; Andrew, who died in 1850; Victor, who
died in 1888; Cordelia, who married J. B. McCarty. of Corning, New York;
Amelia (who died in 1881), married T. V. Keefe ; Aminda, married McClel-
land \'idean; John F., Charles F. and Nelson C, who comprise the firm of
Elv Brothers in Jeannette. Pennsvlvania ; Ida. married Frank L. demons, of
Covington, Pennsylvania: Adele,' married Dr. E. C. Stuart, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania : Francis, a well-known physician of Pittsburg ; and Louis X.,
who is engaged in the iron business at Monessen, Pennsylvania.
i68 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
George W. Ely, M. D., son of Magloire and Mary (Voran) Ely, was
born in Blossburg, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, January lo, 1872. His early
education was obtained in the public schools, and he then became a student at
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and was house surgeon in Bellevue Hos-
pital from 1894 to 1896. He was acting assistant surgeon in the United
States army during the Spanish-American war. He now holds the position
of surgeon at the St. Francis Hospital of Pittsburg, where his services are
duly appreciated. He is conscientious and faithful in the performance of the
duties connected with his profession, and is highly esteemed by a large circle
of patients.
He married Florence I. Renz, daughter of John Renz, of Ottawa, Illinois,
and they have children : Louise, Ruth and Edmund.
\
TAMES JOHN CAMPBELL, present auditor and assistant secretary of
the Carnegie Steel Company and kindred interests, was born December 6, 1865,
at Washington, District of Columbia, a son of Joseph Campbell. The history
of the family in America is as follows :
James Campbell, the grandfather, came to America from Coleraine, county
Antrim, Ireland, with his wife, and settled near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in
the early part of the nineteenth century, but owing to his ill health in about
fifteen years he returned with his family to his native home.
Joseph Campbell, the subject's father, and the son of James Campbell,
was born in Coleraine in 1835, after his parents had returned from this country.
In 1858 he came to this country, and the same year enlisted in the ordnance
•corps of the United States army and served continuously until his death, which
occurred in November, 1893. The first twenty-three years of this exceptionally
long service was spent in Washington in the government arsenal, and the
remaining twelve years at the Allegheny (Pennsylvania) arsenal, at Pittsburg.
At Washington he was first sergeant through all the stirring period of the
Civil war, and was in charge of the small detail of men who, in the presence
of Secretarv of War Edwin M. Stanton, buried the remains of the assassin of
President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, under one of the flagstones of the floor
in one of the rooms in the United States prison at Washington, located at the
arsenal. He married Elizabeth Jane Gamble, who was also of Scotch-Irish
stock, and her native place was the same as that of her husband. She came
to America in 1861, and was united in marriage to Mr. Campbell at St. Thomas'
Episcopal church. New York, in 1863. Eight children were born of this
imion, the subject being the second eldest. The family consisted of four sons
and four daughters.
James John Campbell, subject, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Jane (Gamble)
Campbell, was educated in the public and high schools of Washington. District
of Columbia, and came to Pittsburg in his seventeenth year. He was first
employed as a clerk in a grocery store and later entered the accounting
department of the Pennsylvania company as a junior clerk. Two years later
he was made clerk and stenographer for a lumber company, but left this
position after eleven months to enter the service of the Carnegie Brothers &
Company, Limited, February i, 1886, as clerk and stenographer to the purchas-
ing agent. He was transferred to the accounting department in 1889. and
the same year was promoted to chief clerk of a division of that department.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 169
In December, 1895, he was promoted to assistant auditor of the Carnegie
Steel Company, Limited (successors to Carnegie Brothers & Company), and
January i, 1900, was elected auditor and assistant secretary of the Carnegie
Steel Company, the corporation that took over the business of the limited
partnership, and has continued to hold such positions to this date — June, 1907.
He also holds similar positions in several allied and subsidiary corporations.
December 31, 1899, he was admitted to partnership, as one of Andrew Car-
negie's famous and favored young partners, in the Carnegie Steel Company.
Air. Campbell is a supporter of the Republican party, and in church
relations is identified with the Presbyterian church of Pittsburg. He belongs
to the Duquesne Club, Oakmont Country Club and the Carnegie \"eteran Asso-
ciation, a society which was organized after Mr. Carnegie's retirement from
business, and composed of Mr. Carnegie and most of those who had been his
partners in business.
April 23, 1891. he married Kate Bell Bauersmith, daughter of, a prominent
and well-known Pittsburg contractor and builder. Two children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell — Sarah Catherine, born August 7, 1894, and
James J., Jr., born October 12, 1903.
The business career of Mr. Campbell has been well worth patterning
after by young men. He commenced in an humble way, but by faithfulness in
his various positions has forged his way to the front and to where he has
gained the confidence of the great steel magnates of the land. His skill and
correctness as an accountant have long been recognized and have been the
base of his present valuable position in the great industry with which he is
connected.
WILLIAM HOFFMAX, the genial and popular proprietor and manager
of the Hoffman Hotel, at No. 612 Homewood avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, is a representative of a family which was settled in Ohio many years ago.
Peter Hoffman, father of William Hoffman, was born in Aleigs, Ohio,
in 1842. On February 13, 1865, he enlisted as Corporal in Company K,
Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged from service in
January. 1866, at Macon, Georgia, having served with bravery and gallantry.
He married Mary Hauck, and they had children: John F., born August 11,
1868, and William, the subject of this sketch.
William Hoffman, second and youngest son and child of Peter and Mary
(Hauck) HofTman, was born in Pomeroy, Ohio, August 27, 1870. He was
educated in the public schools of his native city, and upon attaining manhood
went to Wheeling, West Virginia, and worked in a restaurant. He then came
to Pittsburg in July, 1886. He was the manager for Thomas Dugan from
1891 to 1896 in Elwood City, and then removed to New Castle, Pennsylvania,
where he was in business for a period of six years. In July, 1886. he opened
and conducts at the present time ( 1906) the' Hoffman Hotel. This hotel is
a model of its class and size. The rooms are comfortably and elegantly fur-
nished, the office conducted in an inviting and systematic manner, and the
cuisine is not to be surpassed. The courteous and cheerful demeanor of the
host make this hotel an ideal resort. He is a member of Lodge No. 69,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; of Lodge No. 1048, Order of the
Fraternal Eagles; of Lodge No. 601, Order of Heptasophs ; and of Lodge
No. 384, Knights of Pythias.
I70 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
He married Fannie Cox, daughter of Charles Cox, of Pittsburg, and they
have children: Minnie P., born November 5, 1891, and William, Jr., born
September 12, 1893.
• ADDISON COURTNEY GUMBERT, a well-known citizen of Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, who resides at No. 355 Shetland avenue, has achieved
more than a local reputation in the baseball field, and has attained prominence
in the public offices he has filled with dignity and efficiency.
Robert Gumbert, father of Addison Courtney Gumbert, was born in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1834. He held the position of yard master for the
Pennsylvania Railroad for a period of forty years, and vv'as noted for the
capable manner in which he performed the various duties pertaining to his
office. He married Henrietta Skeen and had children : Addison Courtney,
see forward ; Sarah E., Charles K., Ida M. and William S. He died in 1902.
Addison Courtney Gumbert, son of Robert and Henrietta (Skeen) Gum-
bert, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1867. His education
was acquired in the public schools of the city, and upon attaining a suitable
age he accepted a position as clerk in a grocery store in 1883, remaining there
for three years. He was then offered a position in the office of the county
treasurer, which he held in 1885, when he received an appointment to the
office of the prothonotary, and served as clerk of the court of common pleas
No. I from 1896 until December, 1906. He was elected to the office of sheriff
in November, 1906, leading Edwin S. Stuart, candidate for governor, by
nearly two thousand votes. He played ball from 1888 until 1896 with the
Chicago, Boston Brotherhood, Pittsburg. Philadelphia and Brooklyn teams,
and as a pitcher holds the record of pitching for the longest unfinished game
in the league — twenty innings. He resigned from ball playing in 1896. He is
a member of Oakland Lodge, No. 535, Free and Accepted Masons ; of Lodge
No. II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Pittsburg; of James B.
Nicholson Lodge, No. 585, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Home-
wood Circle, No. 119, Protected Home Circle. He is also a member of the
Lincoln Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
He married Anna Boyle, daughter of William M. and Josephine Boyle,
and they have one child. William Boyle, born February 18. 1900.
SYDNEY GILBRETH WHITE, M. D., is numbered among the skillful
and active practitioners in the medical profession in Greater Pittsburg, where his
ability in treatment of diseases has won for him a large and constantly increas-
ing practice. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland, Ashland county,
August 8. 1865, son of William Reed White and Hannah Eva (Paul) White,
his wife. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Januarv 30,
1823, son of the American ancestor of this family of Whites. William Reed
White died May 26, 1899. He obtained his education at the connnon schools,
such as existed in his boyhood, days, and followed farming for his occupation
throughout his days. In 1865 he went to Ashland county, Ohio, and purchased
a farm consisting of one hundred and seventy-six acres. His buildings were
burned and he erected a new and more valuable set of buildings, including a
commodious farm house. He raised and handled many sheep in connection
' PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 171
with his farming operations. In politics he was a Prohibitionist and a strong
advocate of the temperance cause. Active in the advancement of the cause
of education, he served as a school director, the only official or public position
he ever aspired to. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church at Ashland.
For his first wife he married Jane Reed, by whom one child was born, a
daughter. Agnes, widow of Newton Craig, of Richland -county, Ohio. 2Mr.
White's first wife died young, and for his second wife he married Hannah
Eva Paul, born in Apollo, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1840,
and died December 28. 1900. She was the daughter of Robert and Sidney
(Gilbreth) Paul. By tlie second marriage Mr. White was the father of the
following children: Robert Park; James Reed, born May 21, 1861, died April
21, 1864: William Alvin ; Joseph, born ^^lay 31, 1864, died September 19,
1864: Sydney Gilbreth (subject); Hazeltine May, born May 16, 1867, died
April II. 1870; Samuel Ernest Paul; John Robinson; Alfred Mc^Millen; Eva
Ada. widow of Thomas Gillis. and now resides at Haysville, Ohio, born July
2^, 1874; \\'alter Mackling Lowfie.
( in ) Robert Parks White, son of Williain Reed White by the second
marriage, was born December 27, 1859, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but he
grew to manhood in Ashland county. Ohio, to which section his parents
removed. After gaining a good education at Ashland College, at Ashland,
Ohio, he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania,
from which he graduated in 1886. receiving first prize in surgery and operative
surgery. He was appointed assistant demonstrator of anatomy in C)ctober,
1885. and began the practice of medicine in January, 1886, at Warsaw. Indiana,
continuing in general practice until 1892. after which he confined his practice
to the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He moved to Fort Wayne in
May, 1900. and was appointed oculist and aurist for the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company for the territory west of Pittsburg in July, 1900. and still
holds that position. He was married at Easton, Pennsylvania, December 27,
1884, to Josephine Poff, by whom one daughter was born — Ignota Bell, born
October 24, 1885. Dr. W'hite belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is ad-
vanced to the York and Scottish Rites. Thirty-second degree; belongs to the
Mystic Shriners. having held the offices of Past Master, High Priest, Eminent
Commander, etc.
(Ill) William Alvin White, third child of William Reed White, was
born November 18, 1862, graduated from the Western Reserve College,
Cleveland, Ohio, March 4. 1891, and is practicing medicine in Ashland county,
Ohio. He married Ida J. Hunter, of Richland county, September 16, 1891,
and his children are: Eva Pauline, born August 25, 1895. died July 2. 1896;
W. Alvin Dale, born September 3, 1900; Dorothy Angeline, born July 21,
1902.
(Ill) Rev. Samuel Ernest Paul White, the seventh child in the family
of children born to William Reed White by the second marriage, was born
lanuarv I, 1870. He spent his early years on the farm in Richland county,
Ohio, and attended the district schools until eighteen years of age. The
next two years he spent mostly at Ashland College, taking in addition to the
regular course one in elocution under the direction of Professor Fox. The
next year he taught district school and in the autumn of 1891 entered the
preparatory department of the University of Wooster, Ohio. He continued in
regular attendance in this university and graduating in the classical course,
172 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1896. In the fall of 1896 he entered
the junior class in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, and
the year following entered the middle class in the McCormick Theological
Seminary, Chicago. Here he continued his studies in theology, graduating in
the class of 1899, which year he gained the degree of Master of Arts. He is
now pastor of the Presbyterian church at Bemidji, Minnesota. On October
22, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Williamson, to which union
there was born two children — Eva May, born May 5, 1903, and Ernest Kelly,
born July 22, 1904, died June 2, 1905.
(HI) Dr. John Robinson White, son of William Reed White, was born
May 29, 1871. He graduated at the Indianapolis (Indiana) Medical College
in April, 1898, and is now practicing his profession at Warsaw, Indiana. He
is a member of the Masonic order. Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery at
Warsaw, and the Indiana Consistory. He married Blanch Boydson, who was
born June 13, 1880, and graduated from the Warsaw High School in 1897.
They were married October 25, 1900, and the issue has been : Donald Robert,
born April 7, 1903, and Helen Louise, born November 21, 1905.
(Ill) Alfred McMillen White, son of William Reed White, was born
July 29, 1872. He was educated at the Savannah Academy, Ohio, and at the
University at Ashland, Ohio. He founded the East End Sanitarium, and is
manager of that institution now. He belongs to the Masonic order and is well
advanced in Masonry. He married Blanch Breeding and they have one
daughter, Eleanor.
(Ill) Walter Mackling Lowrie White, son of William Reed White, was
born June 15, 1876. He is engaged in the iron works at Vandergrift Heights,
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married Daisy M. Plucker, born
February 16, 1880, at Reading, Pennsylvania, and they were married October
22, 1903. Their issue is: Twins, born May 16, 1904, at Parkersburg, West
Virginia — one lived a few hours and the other four days. The third child
was Thelma G., born July 2, 1905, at Parkersburg, and the fourth, Thomas
Arthur, born June 5. 1907, at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.
(Ill) Dr. Sydney Gilbreth White, son of William Reed White and
wife, Hannah Eva (Paul) White, was educated at the Ashland College,
Ashland, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1892, receiving the degree of
Bachelor of Literature. In 1893 he graduated from the Baltimore Medical
College and immediately engaged in the general practice of his profession at
Helena, Ohio, where he continued until 1905, at which time he removed to
Warsaw. Indiana, where he devoted his time and talents to operating a private
sanitarium, treating patients from all parts of the United States for the relief
and cure of alcohol and drug disorders, very many of whom were perfectlv
cured of the habit. On April i, 1902, the East End (Pittsburg) Sanitarium
was founded by Alfred M. White as a purely private institution for the treat-
ment of alcohol and drug addicts, and neurotic patients generally, and this
offered the subject a better opportunity and he accepted the position of
physician in charge as the chemist, with his brother, Alfred M. White, as
manager. He has continued here since his coming in 1902.
Dr. White is a member of the Presbyterian church at Pittsburg as well as
a member of the session of that denomination. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, being a member of Lake City Lodge, No. Jt, ; Warsaw Chapter, No.
88; Warsaw Commandery, No. 10; Adoniram Grand Lodge of Perfection,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 173
Saraiah Council, Indianapolis Chapter and Indiana Consistory. He was
united in marriage, August 30, 1893, at Pavonia, Ohio, to Effie Shively,
daughter of Samuel and Lititia Shively, farmers. She was educated at Ash-
land College, Ohio. They are the parents of two children, George DeWitt,
born in Warsaw, Indiana, November 4, 1896, and John Robert, born at the
same place October 20, 1900.
CAPT. PATRICK FRANCIS HODGE, one of the veterans of the Civil
war, as well as a veteran conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad, now retired
at his own instance, together with other members of his family has made a
history worth preserving in a work of this character.
Captain Hodge is a native of Sarah Furnace, Blair county, Pennsylvania,
born November i, 1839, a son of Patrick and Mary (Keegan) Hodge, of
Drogheda, county Meath, Ireland. When but two years of age his father
died, and he was left to gain his own support, which he accomplished by
working on a farm in his native land. His father was born in 18 10, and died
in July, 1841, aged thirty-one years. The grandfather's name was George
Hodge, who lived to the age of seventy-five years. He married and was the
father of four children. Patrick and George, two of his sons, came to America
in 1836. George located at Salem, Massachusetts, and married, and one of
his sons became a prominent New England lawyer. Patrick, the subject's
father, settled in what was then Bedford (now Blair) county, Pennsylvania,
in 1836. He worked in blast furnaces as a practical iron maker. He was a
devout member of the Roman Catholic church. He married, in 1837, Mary
Keegan, daughter of James and Anna (Ballard) Keegan. She was a native
of countv Meath, Ireland, and was seventy-two years of age at the time of her
death. They had two children: i. Patrick Francis, subject, born in 1839.
2. James, born July 4, 1841, died in 1895. He followed farm life on a fifty-six
acre farm he purchased in Blair county, Pennsylvania. He married Phoebe
Wilt, also deceased, and they were the parents of two children, Charles and
Mary E., the latter now residing with her Uncle Patrick at Swissvale,
Pennsylvania.
Returning to the subject of this memoir it may be said that at the out-
break of the Civil war in 1861 he served in the "three months' men" service,
and then enlisted, September 20, 1861, in Company A, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania
\'olunteer Infantry, and was soon thereafter promoted to second sergeant,
was commissioned lieutenant in April following, as first lieutenant in August,
1863, and was advanced to captain February 15, 1865. Previous to 1864 he
was in the Department of the South, and was twice wounded at the battle of
Pocotaligo, South Carolina. From the battle of Cold Harbor on he was with
the Army of the Potomac, was wounded in the lower jaw, and was made
prisoner of war at Drury's Blufif. He was kept at Petersburg and Libby
prisons until able to move, and was one of the six hundred officers exposed to
the Union fire at Charleston. At one time while on the move he jumped out
of a freight car but was compelled to give himself up at Edisto Island. While
confined "at Columbia, South Carolina, he again made his escape, after being a
prisoner eight months, and reached the federal lines near Pocotaligo after
lying all night in water between there and the Confederates. He returned at
once to his regiment, and served as provost-marshal of Buckingham county,
174 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Virginia, until after the close of hostilities, being mustered out of service
August 30, 1865. In 1866 he found employment as a passenger brakeman on
the Pennsylvania Railroad. Two and a half years later he became a conductor
running between Pittsburg and Altoona, Pennsylvania, and remained a con-
ductor of this railroad up to 1903, when he voluntarily resigned, a little short
of the company's age limit.
Captain Hodge is a Republican of no uncertain quality. He was for
years commander of Wilkinsburg Grand Army post, and is a member of the
Loval Legion, Union \'eteran Legion and the Order of Railway Conductors.
He and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
He was united in marriage September 16, 1869, to Susan, a daughter of
Edward and Mary (Cassidy) McGraw. She was born in Freedom, Blair
county, Pennsylvania, and by this union two sons were born, George Edward
and Gerald F.
Captain Hodge has had a wonderfully checkered career, but has_ proven
himself worthy the high esteem in which he is universally held. Among the
local offices he has ably filled may be mentioned that of school director for
eight years and tax-collector for the same length of time. His residence has
been in Swissvale since 1898.
George Edward, the eldest son of Captain and Mrs. Hodge, was born
at Brushton, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, July 18, 1879, and died at Chester,
Pennsylvania, February 10, 1903. He was educated at the common schools
of Wilkinsburg, Pittsburg Academy and the Western Pennsylvania L'niversity,
graduating as a chemist. At the date of his death he was superintendent of
the Tide-water Open Hearth Furnaces at Chester, Pennsylvania. He mar-
ried Miss Anna Leas, of Glassport, and was the father of one child, born after
his death — George Edward Hodge, Jr. This was indeed a sad blow to the
(loting parents, who in this first-born son saw a splendid future, but which
was cut down in the bloom of his young manhood, when all life's sea seemed
fair and every breeze blowing but happiness and prosperity to himself and
family.
Gerald F. Hodge, second son of Captain Hodge and wife, was born
August I, 1882, and was educated at the parochial and public schools of
Wilkinsburg and Swissvale. He is now engaged in the real estate business at
Swissvale. He married Bessie Wilkins, of Wilkinsburg, by whom one
daughter was born, Sarah, born November 26, 1906.
THE SCHUSLER FAMILY, of Pittsburg, of which Henry Schusler,
the subject of this notice, is a member, was first represented in America by the
late John Peter Schusler, the father of Henry. He was a native of Baden,
Germany, born in 181 5, and died in Pittsburg. He received his education in
his native land and then learned the butcher's trade, commencing at the early
age of fourteen years. He followed his trade in Germany until he was
married and had three children, when he-decided to come to America, which he
did in 1846, coming direct to Pittsburg with his wife and son John, the other
two children having died in Germany. They first landed at Baltimore, Mary-
land, and came part of the distance to Pittsburg by wagon and the remainder
of the way by steamboat. They arrived in America during holiday times,
landing either Christmas or New Year's day. At first, upon going to work
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 175
here, he assisted in unloading boats for the steamboat companies, laying by
each week what he could above supporting his little family. When he had
earned and saved up enough to do so, which was not a great while, he opened
a butcher shop on his own account on U'ylie avenue, where he continued until
1854, when he moved to East Liberty, locating on Frankstown avenue. He
conducted a successful business there for two years, then sold and later estab-
lished himself in a market on Smithfield street, where he operated for a time,
but seeming to have a special liking for the East End, he moved back there
and opened a most excellent market, conducting the same up to the date of his
death. He was one of the most enterprising and highly esteemed citizens in
the East End, and his memory is cherished to-day for his many virtues, both
socially and in a business sense. He built and did much to improve the part
of the city in which he owned property, and never shirked his duty toward the
upbuilding of the city's best interests. He was of the German Lutheran faith
and gave liberally toward that denomination. Politically he was a Democrat,
but never sought for public offices." At one time he was a member of the Odd
Fellows order, but not latterly.
He was married in his native country to Miss Margaret Hess, who became
a devoted wife and a Christian mother to his children, who numbered ten.
Mrs. Schusler died on Easter morning, 1889, aged seventy years. Tlie follow-
ing is concerning their children: I. John, born January 18, 1842, in Germany,
is now living a retired life at No. 216 Shady avenue, Pittsburg. He followed
the business of a butcher up to 1900. His military record during the Civil
war should be recorded in this connection: He enlisted August 5, 1861, in a
cavalry company, served six months, and later was attached to the Maryland
cavalry and served three years and six months. He was in sixty-six battles
and skirmishes, and was honorably discharged September 15, 1864, at Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. He cast his first vote for President Lincoln and was
a Republican ever afterwards. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, a
member of Hailman Lodge, No. 321, Ancient Free and Accepted IMasons ; is
a member of the Grand Army Post, No. 117. He married in 1868 Margaret
Krebs, by whom were born si.x children: William M., Philip J., Peter J.,
Alargaret, Emma and Louisa. The second and third born children of John
Peter and Margaret (Hess) Schusler were daughters, who died young. 4.
William, late of Pittsburg. 5. Peter, of Pittsburg. 6. Anna Alary, wife of
Adolph Godell (see his sketch). 7. Adam, late of Pittsburg. 8. Louisa, wife
of Edward Krebs and mother of five children ; the family reside on North
Negley avenue, Pittsburg. 9. Henry. 10. Margaret, deceased.
Henry Schusler (subject) takes much interest in local history and believes
every family should preserve the record they have made so far as possible,
and it is to him the reader is indebted for the sketch of his father's family
record. Henr\- Schusler was the ninth child of his parents, and was born May
23, i860, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He was educated at the schools of his
native place, and when seventeen years of age entered the employ of L. C.
Castner as a clerk in his drug store on Penn avenue, with whom he remained
one year, and then was engaged by S. S. Marvin as salesman for a number
of years, after which he engaged in business for himself, chosing wholesale
woodenware for his business ; this he followed for three years, when he
changed to that of a real estate brokerage business, which he continues to
176 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
follow. He has built several good buildings and otherwise improved this
portion of the city and accumulated and saved a competency.
Mr. Schusler is prominently identified with the Lutheran church, and for
many vears was connected with the German Lutheran church on Collins
avenue] but is now a member of Bethany Lutheran church on North Highland
avenue, and is serving as an elder. He was one of the liberal donors to the
building improvements of this denomination, including the Bellmar church.
Politically Mr. Schusler votes an independent ticket, not believing in being
tied by party lines. He is an advanced Mason, belonging to Dallas Lodge,
F. & A. M.', No. 508; Shiloh Chapter and Tancred Commandery; also the
Shriners.
He was united in marriage May 26, 1887, to Emma, daughter of William
and Doratha (Krebs) Getting. The fruit of this union is three children: i.
Frank W., born April i, 1888. 2. Howard H., born July 9, 1892. 3. Carl H.,
born January 10, 1902.
HOFMEISTER FAMILY. Peter Hofmeister, deceased, was among the
highly honored German citizens of Pittsburg, one who always upheld the good
orcler of his adopted country and was possessed of a public spirit commendable
to any one, either native or foreign born. He was born in Quendel Kurhessen,
Germany, in 1820, and died April 6, 1901. He was the son of Andrew Hof-
meister, a farmer, and who belonged to the German Lutheran church. He
died at about the age of fifty years. His family consisted of his wife and
six children: i. Martin, of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. 2. Catherine, de-
ceased, wife of Martin Myers, of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. 3. Maria. 4.
Peter, mentioned hereinafter. The names of the two youngest is not known.
The three surviving children came to America about 1847, ^s did the Schnell
family, into which Peter Hofmeister intermarried.
Peter Hofmeister learned the weaver's trade in his native country and
followed linen weaving. He attended school in Germany and night schools
after coming to this country. In this way he v;as enabled to master the
English language quite well. ' He learned the plasterer's trade and was consid-
ered one of the finest mechanics in this line in all the country in which he
worked. He prospered financially and possessed many good pieces of property
in this city. He resided in Lawrenceville from 1857 until his death. He
was much interested in church work, and was an elder and treasurer of his
church, the St. John's German church of Lawrenceville. He was also a
Sunday-school superintendent for many years. He was later a member of the
Thirty-ninth Street Presbyterian church. He was charitable and benevolent
in allhis dealings with his fellowmen. Politically he was a staunch Republican.
He was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Fire Company at
Lawrenceville and helped to build many of the churches in the neighborhood.
He married, September 14, 1848, Martha Elizabeth Schnell, a native of
Hessen Cassel, Germany. She is now (1907) the oldest member living in the
Thirty-ninth Street Presbyterian church Of Pittsburg. By this marriage union
the following children were born: i. Henry, of Lawrenceville. 2. Chris-
topher, deceased. 3. Andrew, of Pittsburg. 4. Henrietta, wife of Peter
Schusler, a sketch of whose family appears in this work. 5. Martha Eliza-
beth, wife of Louis J. Wenzell (see sketch). 6. Peter, of Pittsburg. 7. Anna
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 177
E., at home. 8. William, deceased in childhood. The three youngest children
died in infancy.
Henry Schncll, father of Mrs. Peter Hofmeister, was born in Germany
and came to this country at the same time the Hofmeisters did, in 1847. He
died at the ripe old age of ninety-six years, about 1886. He and his wife
Martha were the parents of the following children: i. Augustus, who was a
soldier in the Civil war. 2. Adam. 3. Henry, who also served in the Civil
war. 4. Martha E. (Mrs. Peter Plofmeister). 5. Christiana. 6. William, of
Baltimore, Maryland. 7. Maria, wife of Daniel House. 8. Eliza, wife of
George Schoen, who was a soldier in the Union cause in the Civil war. 9.
Elizabeth, of Baltimore, Alaryland, now deceased.
FLETCHER K. LEIGHTOX, one of Pittsburg's retired business men,
and a resident of Edgewood Park, was born March 3, 1839, in Steuben, Maine,
son of Henry D. Leighton, grandson of Jonathan Leighton, and great-grandson
of Thomas Leighton, who was one of the earliest settlers of that state, where
he took up a considerable tract of land which he cleared of timber and brought
into a state of cultivation. Thomas Leighton's wife was Lydia Tracy, and the
following children were born to them : Jonathan, Mark, Alex, Hateval, Israel,
Daniel, Isaiah and Asa.
Jonathan Leighton, son of Thomas and Lydia (Tracy) Leighton, was the
first male child born in Steuben, Maine. He married Annah, daughter of Cap-
tain Dyer, who served in the Revolutionary war and was one of the pioneer
settlers of Maine, owning land near Dyer's Bay. The following children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Leighton : Jonathan, married Lydia Stroup ; Lydia,
married Stephen Hill : Charity, married William Xash ; Thomas, married Per-
sis Dyer: Henry D., married Lovice Wass ; Handy, married Rebecca Wass;
Betsev, married Oliver Randall : Theressa, married John Coy : Annie, mar-
ried Benjamin Godfrey : Tryphena, married Bingham Nash ; Irene, married
Isaac Small ; Persis, married Oliver Cleves ; Almon, married Sarah Trecarton.
Henry D. Leighton, son of Jonathan and Annah (Dyer) Leighton, was
born in 1799, in Steuben, Washington county, Maine, and all his life followed
the calling of a master shipbuilder. His political principles were those indorsed
bv the Whig partv. By that party he was sent to tlie state legislature of ]\Iaine
and there served one term. He was an active member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, in which he served as elder.
Henry D. Leighton married Lovice Wass, and their children were : Cath-
erine, married Albion K. P. Moore ; Ann, married, first, George W. Waite, and,
second, John D. Holden ; Arriczene, married Coffin Small ; Mary, married
Guilford Stephens : Eliza, married Horatio Campbell ; Ellen, married Thomas
J. Campbell ; Fletcher K., married Mary A. Johnson ; Truman W., married
Emma Shute ; Clara, married James Parkin.
Henrv D. Leighton, the father, died in 1881, and Lovice, his wife, died
in 1864.
Fletcher K. Leighton, son of Henry D. and Lovice (Wass) Leighton, was
brought up at Steuben, Washington county, Maine, and was educated in the
local schools. At the age of twenty-one years he built a shingle mill, which
he operated for some years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment,
j\Iaine Volunteer Infantry, and served one year, taking part in the Peninsular
iii— 12
178 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
campaign under General McClellan and participating in the battles of Fair
Oaks and Malvern Hill, as well as a number of other engagements and many
skirmishes. He was discharged with the rank of orderly sergeant. After his
return home he went into business as a carpenter.
On April 3, 1864, he married Mary A., daughter of Stephen Johnson, of
East Sullivan, Maine. They have been the parents of the following children:
I. Julia A., deceased; 2. Henry S., married Mattie McGrau, and they have
the following children: Lois A., deceased, and Marguerite I. 3. Annie G.,
married Dr. Alexander M. Stevenson ; their children are : Julia L. and John
Alexander M. 4. Charlotte J., deceased, wife of Dr. W. A. Clementson. 5.
Frank K., at home. 6. Ella C., deceased. 7. Leone E., at home.
In 1869 Mr. Leighton moved to Confluence, Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he built and operated a stave mill and a lumber mill. In 1879 he
moved to Braddock and went into the plumbing business, frorh which he retired
in 1896. In 1885 he built a roller skating rink, which burned down in January,
1903, and he built the present three-story brick business and apartment building
on the site of the old rink.
In politics Mr. Leighton is a Republican, and while a resident of North
Braddock served three years as a school director and four years as burgess of
that borough. In 1903 he moved to Edgewood, purchasing the property on
West Swissdale avenue which is now his home. He is a member -of Post
No. 181, G. A. R.
WILLIAM EUGENE SEIBERT. Members of this family have been
connected with the banking business of Pittsburg for many years. William
E. Seibert, first bookkeeper in the Fidelity Title and Trust Company of Pitts-
burg, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1875, a son of
Charles and Philomena (Zinsmeister) Seibert. (The reader will find an
extended account of the Seibert family elsewhere in this work.)
Charles Seibert, the son of NicoHs and Catherine (Mohr) Seibert, was
born in Germany and was about four years of age when his parents located
near Sandusky, Ohio. He attended the public schools and in 1852 the family
removed to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Mr. Seibert began his early life as
a bookkeeper in the Third National Bank of Pittsburg, and after several years
of valuable experience he accepted a position with the Germania Bank, and
was promoted to teller of the institution and held the same many years. On
account of ill health he, with his wife, removed to California, remained three
years and returned as far as St. Louis, Missouri, where he accepted a position
in the International Bank of that city, and there remained seven years. In
1906 he returned to Pittsburg, and now leads a retired life. He has a splendid
military record. He enlisted in 1861, at the opening of the rebellion, in Com-
pany G, of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, and took part
in every engagement of his division. He was a brave soldier, was in the
thickest of every battle, yet never received even a slight wound. He was
promoted to second lieutenant and honorably discharged July 4, 1864. His
brother, Nicholas Seibert, was a member of the same company and was
wounded at the battle of Gums Mill the second day of the seven days' fight at
that point. He was taken a prisoner of war, but later exchanged.
Charles Seibert was married to Philomena Zinsmeister, and tliev were the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 179
parents of four children: i. Henry, treasurer of the Manufacturers' Heat
and Light Company, Pittsburg. 2. Charles A., assistant secretary and auditor
of the Iron City Trust Company, Pittsburg. 3. William E., of whom further
mention is made. 4. Estella, of Pittsburg.
William E. Seibert, a son of Charles and Philomcna (Zinsmeister) Seibert,
began his business career as a collector, after having first obtained a good edu-
cation. When about seventeen years of age he commenced the work of
collecting with Joseph Eichbaum & Company, with which firm he remained
until they closed out their business operations. He was promoted from time
to time — to assistant bookkeeper, general bookkeeper, head bookkeeper and
cashier, performing his several duties so well that when the business was closed
up by the Fidelity and Trust Company he \vas tendered a position with them,
and has been with that extensive institution for the past eight years.
He was married. October 16, 1901, by Rev. Kennedv, to Katherine Hunter
Benner, born at Bellefont, Center county, Pennsylvania. One daughter has
blessed this union, Dorothy Virginia.
' Mr. Seibert has spent the greater portion of his life in Oakland, but has
been a resident of the East End since 1901. He has been honored with a
rmembership in the American Institute of Banking and is accounted an up-to-
date accountant and banker.
JOSEPH ANTHONY SCHLERNITZAUER was bom in the Twenty-
ninth ward of Pittsburg, a son of Anthony Schlernitzauer and grandson of
Peter Schlernitzauer, who was a farmer. He was a native of Alsace, then a
province of France, and was a mayor, which was considered a very great honor
in those days, as the most intelligent man was chosen for the position.
Peter Schlernitzauer came to the United States in 1846, accompanied by
his wife and ten children. He settled first in New Jersey, later moving to the
South Side of Pittsburg.' His wife was Mary Bellotte, and the following chil-
dren were born to them: John, Anthony, Peter, Nicholas, Florian, Madeleine,
Mary, Pauline, Barbara and Marian. Peter Schlernitzauer died in 1878, at the
age of eighty, and his wife passed away in 1865.
Anthony Schlernitzauer, son of Peter and Mary (Bellotte) Schlernitzauer,
received a good education in his native country. In New Jersey he learned the
art of flattening window-glass. In 1857 he went to Pittsburg, settled on the
South Side and secured employment in the glass factory of McCullough &
Company. Later he entered the service of D. O. Cunningham, then known
as the Cunningham & Ihmsen Company, remaining until 1885, when he retired.
In local politics he was liberal in his views, but in matters of national impor-
tance adhered to the Democratic party. He was a member, of St. Peter's
Roman Catholic church.
A. Schlernitzauer married, in Pittsburg, Rachel Crestline Dusch, a native
of France. Her father, George Dusch, was a millwright, and in 1840 came
with his family to the United States, settling in Pittsburg. Later he removed
to Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Schlernitzauer became the parents of the follow-
ing children : Joseph, William, Rosalia, wife of P. J. Callaghan, of Allegheny ;
Theresa, wife of M. Shill, of Carrick ; Katherine, teacher in the Wickersham
public school; May and Charles. A. Schlernitzauer died in 1886. Two of the
children, John and Anna, are also deceased.
i8o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Joseph A. Schlernitzauer was educated in St. Peter's parochial school and
in the public schools of the Twenty- fourth ward, which he left at an early age.
He then obtained employment as roller-boy in the glass factory of D. O. Cun-
ningham & Company, and in the course of time rose through the different
grades to his present position of flattener, which he has filled since the age of
nineteen. While working in the factory he felt a laudable desire to supply the
deficiencies of his early education, and therefore attended night school, receiv-
ing the instructions of Professors Forner and McClure. He has prospered
materially, having been always quick to see any opportunities and to avail
himself of them. He is a stockholder in several banks and manufacturing
concerns. In 1892 he was made school director of the Twenty-fourth ward,
in 1902 was chosen a member of the select council of that ward, and in 1906
was reelected to the same body. He has always taken much interest in politics
and has served as chairman of several committees. He was one of the organ-
izers of the Schiller's Glocke Turning and Singing Society, and for a number
of years served as its president. In politics he has been an unwavering Demo-
crat. He is a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church. Mr. Schlernitz-
auer makes his home with his widowed mother.
DR. ARTHUR C. MAGILL, prominent in the role of medical practition-
ers in Pittsburg, was born in Tidioute, .Warren county, Pennsylvania,
November 5, 1861, a son of Arthur and Jane (Courson) Magill.
This Magill family traces their ancestry back to John Magill, of Belfast,
Ireland, but originally they came from Scotland. He came to America at a
very early date and located at Philadelphia. He was married and had two
sons, one of whom became the noted Professor Magill, one of the founders and
who held a chair in Amherst College, at Amherst, Massachusetts, which college
was founded in 1821 as a Congregational school of learning. He never mar-
ried. His brother married and reared a family in Pennsylvania. He never
changed his name from Magill to McGill, as some in this country did. and
none of his descendants have deviated from the original way of spelling the
name — ''Magill."
A direct descendant of this brother was Arthur Magill, who was a resident
of Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he owned a hundred-acre farm,
situated one mile from the beautiful village of Tidioute. He was a man of
more than ordinary mould, and served through the war of 1812-14, and died
at the age of eighty years. He was a devout member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He married Jane Arters, who bore him a family of ten children,
all of which grew to maturity.
Arthur Magill, son of Arthur and Jane Magill, and the father of Dr:
Magill of this notice, was born on the old Warren county homestead referred
to in 1816, and died December 20, 1862, aged forty-six years. He was educated
in the common schools of his day and devoted most of his life to agricultural
pursuits, but during the season for navigation he acted as a pilot and run rafts
of lumber down the Allegheny river. His farm consisted of one hundred and
eighty acres, and in this land he took much pride. He erected a fine farm
house on the place after the old colonial style of architecture. This is still in
a good state of preservation and is the fifth house built on the original home-
stead. Politicallv he was an old-line Whig, and was county commissioner at
^S6^^>--^^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE i8i
the time the borough of Tidioute was incorporated, as well as when the court-
house and jail of Warren county were built. He was a member of the
Alethodist Episcopal church, in which he was a local minister. He married
Miss Jane Courson, born in Tidioute, Pennsylvania, in 1821 ; she died March
31, 1897. aged seventy-six years. She was the daughter of Anthony and
Elizabeth Courson. Mr. and Mrs. ]\Iagill were the parents of ten children: i.
Charles, died in infancy. 2. Elliott, who shot himself accidentally when aged
eighteen years. 3. Loretta, widow of Rev. L. D. Appleton, whose son is Dr.
Appleton. 4. Mary M., widow of Charles Mason, and she is the mother of
five children and resides in Florence, New York. 5. Ora B., widow of H. R.
Burgess, and she has two children. 6. Benton S., of Tidioute, Pennsylvania,
married Alice Cummins, and they have four children. 7. Simon B., who was
burned to death in 1901 in the fire which destroyed the "City of Pittsburgh,"
he being a passenger in the ill-fated boat. He married Ella Morrison, and
they had two children. He was a prominent lumberman at Tidioute, Penn-
sylvania, and was here on a visit to his brother at the time of the accident. 8.
Clara, wife of i\'I. S. Van Every, who is the mother of two children. 9. Arthur
Courson, subject. 10. Emma, who married Stephen Evans.
Dr. Arthur C. Magill spent his youthful days in Tidioute, and worked
on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, and then read medicine under
Dr. C. A. Devendorf, of Tidioute, for three years, when he graduated from
the Detroit College of Medicine. He practiced medicine in Tidioute for
thirteen and a half years, and then came to Pittsburg, locating at No. 4404
Penn avenue, where he has met with much success as a physician and surgeon.
He owns considerable property in the Sixteenth ward of Pittsburg. Dr. Magill
is a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He is connected with Perfection Masonic lodge and the
Knights Templar; and is also a member of the Pittsburg Consistory and Erie
Shriners. Politically he is a Republican. Dr. Magill was united in marriage
to Anna Bell Porterfield, a daughter of R. A. and Margaret (Truby) Porter-
field. No issue.
HON. ANDREW JACKSON BARCHFELD, M. D., the present mem-
ber of congress from the Thirty-second congressional district of Pennsylvania,
and one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the south side of Pittsburg,
well represents the true type of American manhood and citizenship developed
only by the great competitive struggle of life wherein each man must needs win
or fail by his own inherent qualities of mind and heart. The record of such a
life must ever prove of value to the present and rising generation of young men
who aspire to a successful career. In three special roles, at least, has Doctor
Barchfeld met with signal success — as a medical practitioner, a successful
business man and an honorable and highly capable law-maker in municipal,
state and national governing bodies.
Doctor Barchfeld was born on the south side, in Greater Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, May 18, 1863, a son of Henry and Mary (Neuenhagen) Barch-
feld. Of his ancestors it may be stated that his paternal grandfather, John
Barchfeld, was a well-known manufacturer of woolen goods and yarns in
Cassel, Germany, in which country he commanded the respect of all by reason
of his business qualifications and sterling integrity. Among his children was
the subject's father, Henry Barchfeld, born May 18, i82'7, a native of Cassel,
i82 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Germany, where he was educated and studied engineering. In 1847, believing
that this country afforded better facilities for advancement in his line of pro-
fession, he emigrated to Pittsburg and settled on the south side and was there
first employed to take charge of an ore plant at Emlenton, on the Allegheny
river. He continued in this position for five years, and then resigned to assume
similar duties at the Loud Soda Factory, where later was built the American
Iron and Steel Works. In 1856 he opened a general store in one of the suburbs
of the city, which business he conducted until the breaking out oi the Civil war,
when he enlisted as a member of Company G, Two Hundred and Fifth Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and served his adopted country until
the close of that great struggle. He then returned to Pittsburg and followed his
former occupation of an engineer, during which time he was in charge of the
construction of the bridges on the Fort Wayne and Pan Handle Railroad,
which work was then considered masterpieces of engineering skill. He was
married in Baltimore, Maryland, to Miss Mary Neuenhagen, born February
16, 1825, and whose father was a German officer under Napoleon at the battle
of Waterloo. He was with the great emperor at Moscow, and spr'ang from a
long line of military ancestry. Henry and Mary (Neuenhagen) Barchfeld
had five children, two of whom died in early childhood, and the remaining
three were Martin L., who resided in Pittsburg; Mary, who married George
H. Geyer, who had charge of the structural iron department of the American
Iron and Steel Works of Pittsburg, and the subject, Doctor A. J. Barchfeld.
The mother died June 16, 1879, and the father in 1882. The father had a good
reputation in Pittsburg as an expert accountant, and was the secretary of eight
building and loan associations.
Doctor Andrew J. Barchfeld, subject, obtained his primary education at
the public schools of his native city, and after taking instructions under a
private tutor entered the high school. Having chosen the science of medicine
for his profession, he began his technical studies under the direction of that
able preceptor, the late Dr. E. A. Wood, a distinguished physician and
surgeon of Pittsburg. Subsequently he matriculated in the Jefferson Aledical
College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1884, with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine, having shown his ambition by taking his
hospital course between his second and third year of college life. This
eminently fitted him to enter the active practice of medicine and surgery, which
he did at his native city, where he has been actively engaged ever since. He
has kept fully abreast with the advancing science of his profession and is' a
constant and intelligent reader of all the late medical books and periodical
publications. He has shown a marked and rare judgment in the diagnosing
of diseases and the treatment of the same. On account of his loyalty to the
profession and his generous treatment of his fellow-practitioners he has never
yet violated any known unwritten rule of the professional code of ethics. Nature
has fitted him with a robust physical constitution, such as only possess a clear,
sound and vigorous mind. His heart is in his work and his manly methods
have won for him the respect and admiration of his large practice and the
members of the various medical societies. At one time he had for his partner
in practice Dr. Lehner. He holds a membership in the American Medical
Association, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Allegheny County Medical
Society, and the South Side (Pittsburg) Medical Society. He is the president
of the board of directors of the South Side Hospital and a member of the
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 183
medical staff. For many years he has served as physician to the county
coroner, and held the position of city physician.
Aside from his professional sphere the doctor has won for himself a
name among the higher type of politicians and law-makers of his state and
nation. For more than a quarter of a century he has taken an active part in
the deliberations of the Republican party. He has been instrumental in fram-
ing and carrying into effect numerous wholesome laws for the benefit of his
fellow-countrymen. In 1885 he was elected to the office of member of the
board of education of the city of Pittsburg, serving three years. In 1886 lie
was elected a member of the City Council, representing the Twenty-sixth
ward of the city. He served on the railroad committee of that municipal
governing body. After two terms as councilman he declined further nomina-
tion. During his last term of such office he was successful in passing the
ordinance to locate the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad depot on the land formerly
occupied by the old stone yard, and for which the city received no revenue.
He defeated the so-called "machine ring" and secured for the city a yearly
revenue of three thousand dollars for the use of such ground. In 1888, 1892
and 1896 he was the Republican candidate for state senator, but owing to an
unfortunate set of party rules and the influence he had worsted in the council,
he was defeated, but with his supporters had the satisfaction of knowing that he
received over a thousand majority in his district. For more than a decade
he was a loyal supporter of United States Senator Matthew Stanley Quay.
He was a delegate in 1886 to the state convention that placed in nomination
General Beaver for governor of Pennsylvania, and in 1894 was delegate when
Governor Hastings was nominated. On numerous occasions he was chairman
of the city Republican committee. From 1895 to 1897 he was president of the
company which published the South Pittsburgcr, to which he was a frequent
contributor of strong, fearless articles in opposition to the reign of political
machine policies. During the two McKinley presidential campaigns he was
sought out as an able advocate of his party principles and made manv stirring
political speeches. In 1902 he was accorded the nomination for congressman
from his district, and by only a narrow margin was defeated after a long,
heated campaign by a combination of Democrats and dissatisfied Republicans.
He was prominent in both presidential and gubernatorial campaigns in western
Pennsylvania. In 1904 he was elected member of congress from his district to
serve in the Fifty-ninth congress. He received nineteen thousand three hun-
dred eighty-four votes as against four thousand six hundred and ninety for
John Pierce, Democrat, and five hundred forty-one for F. F. Norris, Prohibi-
tionist, with nine hundred seventy-one for the Socialist candidate, W. J. Ritchey.
He served on the committees of patents and alcoholic liquor traffic.
In the 1904 presidential campaign, when Theodore Roosevelt was elected,
Doctor Barchfeld was in much demand as a public stump-speaker and proved
a valuable advocate of his party under its illustrious standard-bearer. The
doctor had been a great admirer of the lamented McKinley and greatly mourned
his tragic death.
In 1906 Doctor Barchfeld was reelected to a seat in congress, serving
in the house in the Sixtieth congress. During his first term he was appointed
to investigate the management of the Government Hospital for the Insane
in the District of Columbia. In June, 1907, he was elected Republican county
chairman by the unanimous choice of his party.
i84 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
He is one of the stockholders in the People's Trust Company of Pittsburg
and an able business man. He is the president of the South Side Hospital,
Pittsburg, and a member of the German United Evangelical church. Fra-
ternally Doctor Barchfeld is identified with Peter Fritz Lodge No. 474, of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past noble grand ; also
belongs to Fort Pitt Lodge No. 171, Knights of Pythias. He is a member of
the South Side Board of Trade and a stockholder in various insurance com-
panies of Pittsburg. Another business in which he was successfully connected
was the introduction upon the market of what is known as the American
Cottonpicker.
He is known throughout Allegheny county as the "Big Doctor," on
account of his great height, standing six feet and five inches. His father
was six feet and two inches, while the mother was six feet in height. The
paternal grandfather was six feet and four inches, and the maternal grand-
father six feet and five inches. The doctor loves to be busy and doing some-
thing for somebody all the time. He is easy of approach, kind and gentle of
manner, hence universally respected. Thousands have been made happy by
his magnetic presence and his big heart. He is an excellent entertainer and
pleasing conversationalist.
He was united in marriage May 21, 1885, to Miss Anna Maria Pfeiffer,
daughter of Philip and Nancy (Boll) Pfeiffer, of Pittsburg. The issue by this
union was one son — Elmer A. Barchfeld, born May 2j, 1886, now attending
Princeton University. Mrs. Barchfeld died April 14, 1903. For his second
wife he married, November 26, 1904, Alice Meyers, nee Davis, widow of Moses
Meyers and a grandniece of Hon. John L. Dawson, member of congress from
Pennsylvania.
J. LEDLIE GLONINGER, deceased, was one of Pittsburg's highly
esteemed men, who was prominent in business circles and much admired by
his fellow citizens. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, April 30, 1862, and
died December 10, 1903. He was of the fifth generation from the American
ancestor, and descended through the following geneological line :
(I) Philip Gloninger (American progenitor), was born in the Palatinate,
Germany, and was one of the sufferers from that desolation which swept over
that section of Europe on account of religious persecution. When twenty-
eight years of age he came to America and settled as a farm hand in Upper
Leacock township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. There he was in the
employ of John Swope. He was a very industrious young man, and met w'ith
favor in the eyes of the father (John Swope), and married Anna Barbara, the
daughter of John and Anna Dorotha (Line) Swope. Anna Barbara was born
in Upper Leacock township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1731,
and died September 23, 1810. Philip Gloninger, her husband, died December
II, 1796, and both were buried in the graveyard of the old Reformed church at
Lebanon, Pennsylvania. After the marriage of Philip and Barbara they moved
to Lebanon county, but it was then within Lancaster and known as Lebanon
township of Lancaster county. They resided there the remainder of their
lives. The old Gloninger house is still standing on the south bank of the
Quitapahilla Creek. In early days it was styled "Gloninger's Fort. " During
the terrible Indian wars it was used as a place of safety by the inhabitants of
the far surroiniding country. One of the histories says ; "It is a good speci-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 185
men of the solid architecture of those early days, with its pitched roof and
original port-holes for windows, and it serves as an interesting land-mark,
because here the first Gloningers lived, from whom descended locally quite an
illustrious family."
Philip and Anna Barbara (Swope) Gloninger reared a family of several
children, including the following: I. George, who married Mary Funk. 2.
Hon. John, born September 19, 1750, married Catherine Orth. 3. Peter, born
September 14, 1763, married twice, but the first wife's name is unknown, and
for the second wife he married Eliza Keller. 4. \'alentine, born January 11,
1776, died March 24. 1844.
(II) Captain Peter Gloninger, son of Philip Gloninger (I) and wife,
was born in Lebanon township. Lancaster county, Pennsylvania (now Lebanon
county), September 14, 1763, and resided in Lebanon. He was a captain in
the Fourth Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Baltzer Orth, in
1789 and 1790. He was elected acounty commissioner in 1815. He was an
at?ectionate husband and fond father, sedate in manner and of a thoughtful,
quiet turn of mind. He was twice married. The name of his first wife is not
known ; she died in young womanhood, leaving one son. who was reared by
relatives in Baltimore, JMaryland. After residing in Lebanon many years
Peter Gloninger moved to Baltimore, where he remained until 1832, when he
moved to Canal Dover, Ohio, where he purchased a large tract of land, a part
of which is still owned and occupied by his descendants. The issue by his
first marriage was: i. William, born September 7, 1800, died. 2. John, born
May 26, 1803 ; married Mary J. Ringgold. For his second wife Peter married
Maria Eliza Keller, born August 29, 1792, died July 21, 1859. She was buried
in the cemetery at Canal Dover, Ohio, beside her husband, who died December
2, 1835. Thev had the following children: i. Mary Elizabeth, born August 2,
1812, married John Hildt. 2. Philip, born January 27, 1816, died February
15, 1818. 3. Catherine, born June 14, 1819, married Samuel Kuhn. 4.
Daniel Keller, born July 11, 1821, died August 19, 1848, unmarried.
(III) John Gloninger. sen of Captain Peter Gloninger by his first wife,
whose name is not now known, was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania,
May 26, 1803. His mother died when he was a small boy and he was taken
and reared by his mother's relatives living near Baltimore, Alaryland. They
being Catholic, he was reared in that faith, and his descendants are of the same
religion. John Gloninger married, June 8, 1828, Miss Mary J. Ringgold,
famous in the Mexican war, and a first cousin of Archbishop Eccleston, fifth
archbishop of Baltimore. Mrs. John Gloninger possessed a mind of rare
vigor, which had received a most careful culture. Her memory was strong
and retentive, and remained unimpaired until the end of her life. She dis-
tinctly recalled the stirring scenes of the war of 1812-14, as they occurred in
the vicinity of Baltimore. Her mind had a strong bent towards poetry, and
next to her church the poets gave her the greatest enjoyment. Four children
was the issue of this union: i. Henry, died in Baltimore in childhood. 2.
Alice E.. married Redmond J. Grace. 3. John Ringgold, born in Bahimore,
Marvland. October 16, 1831, died November i, 1887; married June 21, 1859,
Marv Ledlie. 4. Man,- Augusta, married Gilbert de Lafayette de Balan Fet-
terman. (See elsewhere in this work for sketch of the Walsh and Fetterman
family.)
(iV) John Ringgold Gloninger, son of John and Alary J. (Ringgold)
i86 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Gloninger, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October i6, 1831, and died
November i, 1887. He received his education at St. Mary's College, Balti-
more, and retained throughout his life much of the classical training of his
earlier years. The early part of his career was spent in and near Baltimore.
He was engaged in the glass business at New Castle, Pennsylvania, at one
time. He had been thoroughly trained in mercantile houses at Baltimore and
later was a prominent factor in the city of Pittsburg, where he resided for
forty-five years, the larger portion of his time being in active business opera-
tions. He was connected with the City Insurance Company, of which he was
vice-president ; he was a man of much sterling worth and greatly esteemed.
His death occurred on the morning of November i, 1887. He was struck by
the day express train on the Pennsylvania railroad, near Bessemer station,
shortl}- after ten o'clock, and killed instantly. It being All Saints' Day, he had
left his home to attend early Mass at St. James' church, Wilkinsburg. The
accident occurred on his way to Brushton, where he had a business errand. He
married, June 21, 1859, Mary Ledlie, by whom children were born: i. John
Henry, born May 8, i860. 2. James Ledlie, born April 30, 1862. 3. Caroline
Grace, born July 15, 1864, married October 6, 1886, Alfred D. V. Watterman,
LL. D., a prominent attorney of Pittsburg and the brother of Right Reverend
John A. Watterman, Roman Catholic bishop of Columbus, Ohio. Air. and
Mrs. Watterman have children as follows: Alfred, born February 4, 1889,
died July 13, 1889; Florence, born August 10, 1890.
(\ ) J. Ledlie Gloninger, late of Pittsburg, was born in Baltimore,
Maryland, April 30, 1862, a son of John Ringgold and Mary (Ledlie) Glon-
inger. He was baptized in the Baltimore Catholic Cathedral and educated in
a most painstaking manner. He was a member of the firm of Black &
Gloninger, insurance and real estate agents of Pittsburg. Much of the almost
phenomenal success of that firm was due largely to his energy and business
ability. He was a thorough master of his business in all of its branches. In
social circles he stood out as a leader. He belonged to Duquesne Council,
Knights of Columbus, and was the first. Grand Knight of that body. He also
held membership in the Duquesne Club, Monongahela Club and other societies.
He was ever a liberal giver towards the church of his choice — Catholic — and in
all that tended to upbuild the city and commonwealth he ever performed well
his part.
January 12, 1888, he was married by Right Reverend Father Kennoy, at
St. Philip's church, in Grafton, Pennsylvania, to Miss ]\Iary Josephine Walsh,
daughter of Moses P. and Mary Elizabeth (Carron) Walsh. See Walsh
history in this work.
The children by this union were as follows: i. Marie, born February 11,
1889, a graduate of Mount Aloysius Academy, of Cresson, Pennsylvania, with
the class of 1907. 2. John Ringgold, born November 26, 1890, student of St.
Mary's College. 3. James Ledlie, Jr., born March 21, 1894. 4. Dorothy, born
June 19, 1896. 5. kathryn, born May 11, 1898. 6. Grace, born March 3,
1904. Mr. Gloninger died December 10, 1903, and was buried in the family
plot at Mount Calvary cemetery, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
HARRY B. LITTELL, a representative of one of the old and highly
respected families of Pennsylvania, and prominently identified with the dental
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 187
profession of Greater Pittsburg, was born at Corydon, Wayne county. Iowa,
July 16, 1864, a son of William F. and Mary (Sharp) Littell. The following
is concerning his ancestors :
(I) William Littell was born in the north of Ireland, 1740, on the large
estate near Dublin, Irelartd, called "Hazel Hatch," owned by his father. Will-
iam came to America when a young man and was secretary to General
Washington. He settled in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, south of the Ohio
river, where he owned several large tracts of land. His original homestead
was located at what was called Service Postoffice, Beaver county. It is related
of him that once he took a fancy to a gun owned by a friend, with whom he
exchanged for it one of his tracts of land. It should be remembered, however,
that land was very cheap then, while good fire-arms were scarce. He became
a justice of the peace, and like many another of his day owned a small dis-
tillery. His name seems to appear on the United States pension rolls in 1818.
giving his age as seventy years, but this does not agree within eight years of
the dates found relating to his birth. He married Bessie Walker, a native of
Ireland, by whom he reared a family of nine children : James, William, David,
Thomas, jane (Mrs. Calhoun), Elizabeth (Mrs. Reed), Alice (Mrs. Sharp),
Agnes (Mrs. Libbey) and Mary (Mrs. Todd).
Of this family James was the first child, and he became the grandfather
of Mrs. H. B. Littell. 2. William, who lived and died in Beaver county,
married and had children, among whom were four sons who served in the Civil
war, as follows: General Johns, Captain William, Dr. Washington and Henry.
3. David, born in 1797, and died in 1866, became the grandfather of Dr. Lit-
tell, of this notice. David Littell was a tanner and conducted a tannery at
Service, in Beaver county, and also farmed his extensive farm lands in that
neighborhood. He was a member of old Service church of the United Presby-
terian denomination. In politics he was an old-line Whig. He married Miss
Jane Shiilito, born in 1801, a daughter of George Shillito, a native of Ireland.
She was a member of Rev. Dr. Anderson's church. This Anderson established
one of the earliest theological schools in this country. David and Jane Littell
were the parents of the following children: i. George, who resides on the
homestead in Beaver county. 2. James, deceased, of Wayne county, Pennsyl-
vania. 3. Belinda, wife of John McKee. 4. William F., father of Dr. H. B.
Littell, of whom presently. 5. Elizabeth, wife of John Parkinson, of Beaver
Falls, Pennsylvania. 6. Agnes, wife of John D. Gray, of Ohio. 7. Rev. David
S., of Pittsburg. 8. John R., of Seneca, Pennsylvania. 9. Joseph C,
deceased.
(Ill) William Frazer Littell, son of David and Jane (Shillito) Littell,
received his education in the common schools of his native township in Beaver
county. His chief occupation was dealing in western lands and buying and
selling live stock in Iowa and Kansas. He was an excellent business man and
accumulated considerable property. He was a life-long member of the United
Presbvterian church. He was an ardent temperance man and carried on the
first temperance remonstrances against the saloon traffic in southern Iowa.
Politically he was a Republican.
He married Mary J. Sharp, daughter of William Blair Sharp, who was
of the strict Seceder stock in the Presbyterian church. He was a "conductor"
on the underground railroad before the abolition of slavery in eastern Ohio.
About 1862 thev went to Wayne county, Iowa. Their children are : Harry
i88 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
B., D. D. S., of Pittsburg, and Rev. Edward Shillito, of whom later mention
is made.
(IV) Rev. Edward S. Littell, son of William F. and Mary J. (Sharp)
Littell, was born September 21, 1867, at Service, Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
He obtained his primary education at the public schools of Allerton, Iowa,
graduating therefrom in 1886. He then attended Amity College of College
Springs, Page county, Iowa, for two years, and then attended Monmouth Col-
lege, Monmouth, Illinois, three years, graduating from the last named institu-
tion in 1891. The next three years he attended the Allegheny Theological
Seminary, graduating in 1894. He was pastor of Uniontown congregation in
Indiana county, Pennsylvania, five years, lacking a few months ; was doing
missionary work in New York a little over a year, and was pastor of the
Zelienople United Presbyterian church, in Pennsylvania, which is his present
charge.
Mr. Littell's first business venture was to work with a carpenter for one
summer, for which services he has not yet received his" remuneration. His
next labor was herding cattle on the prairies of Kansas in the summer of 1887
for G. W. De Camp, of Emporia, Kansas. Politically Mr. Littell is in many
ways in full sympathy with the Republican party, but on account of the tem-
perance issue usually votes with the Prohibitionists. As a minister of the
United Presbyterian church he was secretary of National Reform Work in
Butler county, Pennsylvania, and is one of nine members of the Littell family
in this country who are now United Presbyterian ministers.
He was married to Mary Harris, born July 27, 1867, at Harrisville, West
Virginia, June 19, 1895. She was educated at the home schools, Knoxville
College, New Concord, Ohio, and studied art at Wheeling, West Virginia.
Her father, known as Judge Harris, was a member of the committee that
formed the constitution of West Virginia. He was widely respected as a gen-
tleman of Christian and business abilities. Mrs. Littell's mother was Margaret
Rutherford and a relative of the Scotch divine, Samuel Rutherford. Her
father was a second cousin of Sir Walter Scott. Judge Harris' brother was
General L. M. Harris, the guard in immediate command when General Lee's
last battery was silenced. Slary H. Littell's great-grand uncle was the James
Harris who was founder of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Littell are as follows: i. Margaret, born at West Lebanon,
Pennsylvania, May 19, 1896. 2. Isabel, born at the same place October 5,
1898. 3. Lillian, born at Zelienople, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1905.
(IV) Dr. Harry B. Littell, son of Wi'lliam F. and Mary (Sharp) Littell,
was born July 16, 1864, and was educated in the public schools and at College
Springs, Page county. Iowa, and at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois.
He spent one year in the office of Dr. J. A. Libbey in Pittsburg, taking up the
profession of dental surgery.. Subsequently he graduated from the Philadelphia
Dental College in 1892. He then came to Pittsburg and opened an office, first
on Butler street, and in 1900 moved to 6202 Penn avenue, his present location.
He has built up a lucrative practice, being a skillful dentist and fully up to the
modern science. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church and is a
teacher in the Smiday-school. Politically he is a Republican. He owns con-
siderable realty in Pittsburg, including a two-story flat built in 1904 on
Marchand street. He is a member of the Odontological Society.
Dr. Littell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie D. Littell, daughter of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 189
Jonathan Littell, a son of James and Anna (Calhoun) Littell, James being a
son of Wilham Littell, the American ancestor. Jonathan Littell was born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, 1825, and died in 1880. He was engaged in the
lumber trade and conducted a hotel in Pittsburg many years. At one time he
was engaged in boating on the river between Memphis and New Orleans, and
built and ran the boat known as "White Wings." He was also engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits and was a partner of John Might. Later he engaged in the
drug trade in Alabama. At another time he was connected with the pottery
and oil business, and was appointed L'nited States ganger, giving a bond for
sixty thousand dollars. He was Republican in politics, and served on the city
council and school board. In church connection he was of the United Presby-
terian denomination. He married Mary Might, daughter of John and Susan
(Smith) Might; she died aged sixty-seven years. Their issue was: i. James,
of Pittsburg. 2. John, of Ohio. 3. Frank, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 4.
Jennie, wife of Dr. Harry B. Littell. Mrs. Littell was educated in the private
schools of Pittsburg and at Palmyra, ^Missouri. She also secured an excellent
musical education, and besides teaching in the conservatory at Bloomington,
Indiana, taught in different parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties,
Pennsylvania. She had as high as thirty-five pupils in a music class at one time.
WALTER ROSS FOSTER, M.D., of Crafton, near Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, has been in practice many years in Allegheny county, and at Crafton
since 1886. He was born at Carnegie, Pennsylvania, May 21, 1864, a son of
David and Elizabeth (Ross) Foster. The paternal grandfather, Alexander
Foster (I), came from Ireland in 1790, locating in Washington county, Penn-
sylvania, and in 1832 came to Allegheny county settling near McKeesport,
where he resided until his death in 1854, his wife surviving him ten years.
They had six sons and one daughter.
(II) David Foster, the Doctor's father, was born in Washington county,
Pennsylvania, in 1820, a son of Ale.xander (I), and accompanied his parents
to this county in 1832. By trade he was a carpenter, which he followed until
1850, when he bought a farm and turned his attention to agriculture. In 1887
he sold his entire estate and retired from active business. In 1845 he married
Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Peter Ross (a son of Philip Ross, a captain in
Washington's army and the first settler of Mansfield, Pennsylvania) and Ma-
tilda (Elliott) Ross. By this union were born the following children: Ross,
who died in infancy; Matilda, wife of John A. Bell; David Gilmore ; George
W. M. ; Sarah E., wife of Rev. Cyrus W. Hatch ; Maudeline, w'ho married W.
H. Bailey ; Casey Alexander ; Walter Ross ; and Mary E., wife of John S.
Robb, Jr. The parents were members of the United Presbyterian church.
(III) Dr. David Gilmore Foster, son of David Foster (II), was a native
of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born in 1852. He attended the Mansfield
and Tuscarora .-Xcademies and later graduated from Jeiferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, receiving his diploma in 1873. In the same year he settled at
Crafton. Pennsylvania, where he became a distinguished doctor, following the
profession until his death August 19, 1894. He was twice married, first in
1874, to Phoebe, a daughter of Thaddeus and Phoebe Paul. One child was
born of this union, Gilmore David. Mrs. Foster died in 1879, aged twenty-six
vears. In 1881 Dr. Foster married Harriet, daughter of George R. and Mary
I90 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Elliott Pearson, of Pittsburg, by whom two children were born, Annie Elliott,
and Elizabeth Ross, who died January i, 1889. Dr. Foster was a Mason, a
member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the American Mechanics, etc. In politics he was an ardent Repub-
lican, and in religion was a member of the Episcopal church.
(Ill) Dr. Walter Ross Foster (subject), son of David Foster (II), spent
his youthful days on the farm and attended the primary schools and later the
academy of Carnegie. He graduated from the State College in 1884, then en-
tered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in
1886. He immediately settled at Crafton, where he still practices with much
success. He has been one of the surgeons of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany for more than twenty years, and physician for the Pittsburgh Railway
Company for eight years, for the St. Paul's Orphans' Asylum six years, and
physician for the Crafton district of the Allegheny poor for twenty years. He
belongs to the Allegheny County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medi-
cal Society and the American Medical Association. The Doctor is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 249. He was one
of the prime movers in establishing the Chartiers Valley General Hospital to
be located at Crafton, taking in the West Pittsburg-McDonald district, and
which is to be non-sectarian. He is interested in every movement that tends to
better the community in which he resides. He possesses one of the best private
libraries in western Pennsylvania. He enjoys the sport of hunting, which he
frequently indulges in during the game seasons. Within his office may be seen
a fine collection of rare pieces of taxidermist's handiwork, consisting of many
varieties of birds and beasts, including a large elk which was killed by Presi-
dent Roosevelt prior to his nomination as vice-president. He also has a panther
mounted fifty-nine years ago by the government taxidermist, Mr. James Har-
ing. In the collection is a valuable redbird, found only in South America,
called cock of the rock.
Politically Dr. Foster affiliates with the Republican party and takes an
active part in national campaigns. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Na-
tional Guards in 1886-87, being a member of General Hartranft's staff. He is
a member and active in all the work of the First Presbyterian church at Ctaf-
ton, and has served twelve years on the board of trustees for that body. When
the present church was erected he was active in the management of its building.
He was united in marriage, September 25, 1890, to ]\Iiss Rachel Gray,
eldest daughter of Colonel Joseph and Mary (Kuhn) Gray. (See Gray family
sketch.) Dr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of two children: i. Mary Eliza-
beth, born February 2. 1892. 2. David Gray, born October 25, 1894.
ALEXANDER MILLER VOIGT, a son of Louis Henry and Amanda
(F.) Voigt, was born September 4, 1847, at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania. The American ancestor of this family was Rev. Henry
E. F. Voigt, grandfather of the subject.
(I) Rev. Henry E. F. Voigt was born in Germany in 1787, and died in
1875, in his eightj'-ninth year. He was educated for the ministry, and in about
1826 came to America as a missionary of the German Reformed church. At
first he located in Ohio, but subsequently removed to Pennsylvania, settling at
Mount Pleasant. After a period of eight years occupied with preaching the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 191
gospel in this country he sent for his wife and three children, wliom he had
left in his native land. He purchased a property consisting of a house and five
acres. He there lived for over forty years, traveling on horseback over the
wilds of Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties. He was one of the
most thoroughly excellent men of his day. He was married to Miss Louisa
Cronemeyer, born in Germany 1802, died January 19, 1891. This union was
blessed with six children, the first three being born in Germany. They are as
follows: I. Louis Henry, born in Demolt, Germany, died in Pittsburg, 1895,
•of whom later mention is made. 2. Henrietta, born in 1824, is the wife of
David Cherry, and they have eight children. 3. Augusta, deceased wife of
Robert AlcClean. 4. Augustus, who died when less than three years of age.
5. Louisa AL, wife of Peter Kiel, of Pittsburg. 6. Charlotte, of Mount Pleas-
ant, Pennsylvania.
(H) Louis Henry Voigt, son of Rev. Henry E. F. and Louisa (Crone-
meyer) Voigt, first attended the public schools of Germany, coming to this
country when aged about fifteen years. He embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness when a young man and conducted a general store at Mount Pleasant,
\\'estmoreland county, until 1861. when he came to Pittsburg and here engaged
in the produce trade at Xo. 813 Liberty street, where he continued to conduct a
prosperous business for thirty-five years. Later he moved his store to the corner
of Fifth and Liberty streets, where he was at the time of his death, November 10,
1895. He accumulated considerable property in Pittsburg. He was a member
of the German Reformed church, and in politics a Republican. He married, at
Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Miss Amanda Miller, daughter of Alexander
Miller, born in Westuioreland county, Pennsylvania. November 22, 1827, and
is now ( 1907) eighty years of age. She has lived in Pittsburg since the first
year of the Civil war. She is still active and attends to her home duties. She
is one of the old-time type of saintly old ladies ; never fails of attending church,
and is a member of Grace Reformed church, at the East End, Pittsburg. The
children by her marriage to Mr. Voigt are as follows: i. Alexander Aliller,
subject. 2. Dr. Charles H., of Allegheny. 3. William C, died aged fift\--five
years, in 1907. 4. Minna Louisa, of Pittsburg. 5. Efifie Marie, wife of John
E. Ash, and mother of three children : Marie, Charles and Elizabeth. 6. Ella
\ ., wife of Richard Floyd, of Pittsburg.
( HI) Alexander Miller Voigt, son of Louis Henry and Amanda (Miller)
Voigt, was educated in the public schools and at Mt. Pleasant College, after
which he attended Duff's Commercial College. For thirty years he was in busi-
ness with his father under the firm name of L. H. \'oigt & Company, and
Voigt, Mahood & Company, and later as A. AL Voigt & Company, which last
was consolidated with \'oigt, AIcAfee & Company as the Grocers' Supply and
Cold Storage Company. They put in operation the first machine cold storage
plant for storage purposes in the city. Their place of business on Seventh
street after four years was burned, and they then moved to 937 Liberty ave-
nue, where they were engaged in the wholesale grocery business until 1895,
when Mr. Voigt sold his interest and went to Mont Chateau, West Virginia.
and there opened a summer hotel, in which he is still interested. This resort
is on the Cheat river, about one hundred miles from Pittsburg. In 1902 Mr.
Voigt was made superintendent of the Seventh Street bridge in Pittsburg, and
still fills the position acceptably. He is a member of the German Reformed
church, in which he is now an elder. He was made a Mason in 1878, and is
192 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
affiliated with Dallas Lodge No. 508, F. and A. M. ; Zerubbabel Chapter No.
162, R. A. M. ; Tancred Gommandery No. 48, K. T., the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Pittsburg, and Syria Temple, Mystic Shrine. He was one of
the first members of the well-known Americus Club, of which he was a trustee
for a number of years.
Mr. Voigt was united in marriage, February 18, 1869, to Alary E. Phil-
lips, born in Pittsburg in March, 1851, a daughter of Thomas and Marv (An-
derson) Phillips. They are the parents of four children: I. Nellie Amanda,
born in January, 1870, wife of Dr. George H. Proctor ; they have one son,
George Voigt Proctor. 2. Lewis Lee, born in 1872, of the firm of Hastings &
Voigt ; he married Grace Wainright, daughter of Joseph Z. Wainright, and
they have three children: Louis Wainright, Elizabeth and Lewis Lee. 3.
Aimee Marie, born in 1882, married Frank J. St. Clair; they have one child,
Alexander V. 4. Harrold Alexander, born in October, 1885, now with the
Carnegie Steel Company as both stockholder and employe.
JOHN WARD, who has been for thirty-six years a resident of Pittsburg,
and two years ago placed himself on the list of the city's retired business men,
was born in 1836 in county Mayo, Ireland, a son of John Ward, a native of the
same county, where he was born in 1786. In 1848 he emigrated to the United
States and settled in Pittsburg. He married Ann Morris, and the following
children were born to them : William ; Patrick James ; John, of whom later ;
George; and Ann. Mrs. Ann (Morris) Ward died in 1847, and the death of
Mr. Ward occurred in 1881.
John Ward, son of John and Ann (Morris) Ward, received his education
in parochial schools in Pittsburg, and also in those of his native land, having
been twelve years old when the family came from Ireland. After leaving school
he served for six years as clerk in a store, and in 1856 learned the plasterer's
trade, which he followed until 1859. -f" 1862 he enlisted for three vears in
Company K, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania \'olun-
teer Infantry, and was in the following engagements: Chancellorsville, May
I, 2 and 3, 1863; Hay Market, Virginia, June 25, 1863; Gettysburg, Pennsyl-
vania, in July, 1863; Falling Waters, Maryland, July 14, 1863; Auburn Mills
or Coffee Hill, October 14, 1863; Bristow Station, Virginia, October 14, 1863:
Kelly's Ford, November 7, 1863; Mine Run, Virginia, November 30 and De-
cember I, 1863; Morton's Ford, Virginia, February 6 and 7, 1864; Wilderness,
Virginia, May 5 and 6, 1864; Poe River, May 9 and 10, 1864; Spottsylvania,
Virginia, May 12, 13, 14 and 15, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, Virginia, May 20,
1864; Milford Station, Virginia, May 21, 1864; North Anna, Virginia.
May 23 and 24, 1864; Cold Harbor, Virginia, June i, 2, 3, 9 and
12, 1864; Petersburg, Virginia, June 16, 17 and 22, 1864; Deep Bottom.
Virginia, July 27 and August 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 1864; Ream Station,
Virginia, August 24 and 25, 1864; assault and capture of Rebel fort in
front of Petersburg, October 27, 1864; and was in all other engagements under
General Grant in the Army of the Potomac. On October 14, 1863, he was
wounded at Coffee Hill or Auburn Mills. From May 10, 1864, to June 17,
1864, he was commander of the company. On September 14, 1864, he was ap-
pointed lieutenant, and in October was detailed to take command of the First
PITTSBURG AKD HER PEOPLE 193
Brigade, First Division, Second Pioneer Army Corps. He served as a lieuten-
ant until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge.
After the war Mr. Ward returned to Clarion county, and in 1866 opened
a general store, continuing the business until 1871. At this time he was ap-
pointed postmaster, and held the office until he disposed of his business, which
was in 1871. He then returned to Pittsburg and engaged in the grocery busi-
ness, prospering so that in 1873 he built a store on the corner of Liberty avenue
and Ellia street, but lost everything in the panic of that year. In consequence
of this disaster he resumed work at the plasterer's trade, and took contracts
until 1884. In that year he established himself in the dry-goods and wall-
paper business at 5140 Butler street. Eighteenth ward, which he continued
until 1905, when he retired.
Mr. Ward married, in 1870, Mary H. E., daughter of Christopher Fox,
who was born April 11, 1805, in Huntingdon county, and was one of the first
settlers — in 1833 — in Clarion co.unty, owning one of the best farms in the
countv, eight miles from Clarion town, the county seat. He married Katherine
Mathews in January, 1835. She was born ]\Iarch 11, 1814, in Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania. Christopher Fox's parents were of German and Irish
descent. Katherine (Mathews) Fox's parents were of Irish and Scotch
descent. The following were Christopher and Katherine (Mathews) Fox's
children: George W., of Minneapolis, Minnesota; "Henrv B. ; Thomas I.;
Charles C. ; Susanah R. ; Sarah _T. ; Mary M. ; Emily C. ; and Mary H. E., wife
of John Ward. Mr. Fox died in 1882, and his widow passed away in 1897.
George W. Fox enlisted at Clarion, Pennsylvania, August i, 1861, in Company
F, Sixty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was sergeant, second
lieutenant and first lieutenant in the company. He was discharged March 23,
1863, on account of wounds received at the second battle of Bull Run, August
29, 1862, and returned to the service August 28, 1863, as first lieutenant in
Companv B, Twentv-second Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps. He was dis-
charged June 30, 1866. his services being no longer required, as the war had
closed. He then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 9, 1866, where
he has resided since that date. He was married December 24, 1868, at Mans-
field, Ohio, to Helen M. Smith, and they have had two children. Henry B.
Fox enlisted in the first three-month men called, and re-enlisted in 1862 and
served until the close of the war. He has resided in New Bethlehem, Penn-
sylvania, since the close of the war. He married Mary E. Himes, of New Beth-
lehem, Pennsylvania, before the war, and they had six children, three sons and
three daughters. Thomas I. Fox resides at and owns the old homestead, one of
the finest farms in Clarion county. He married Miss Jane Anderson, and they
have one daughter, Mrs. Edna Seifert, of New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and
one son, Frank, who resides on the farm with his parents and has three chil-
dren deceased. Charles C. Fox is the foremost business man in Curllsville,
Clarion county, Pennsylvania, owning a general store and a fine farm adjoining
the place where he was born. He also owns another farm in the same county.
He married Miss Rossey Brown, and they have three children living — two sons,
Harold and Ward, and one daughter, Ruth Katherine, and one son deceased.
Sarah J. resides on the old homestead with her brother, Thomas I. Mary M.
is the widow of Frank Klein and a resident of East Brady,' Pennsylvania. Em-
ily C. is the widow of John C. Over, and her daughter Leida resides in Curlls-
iii— 13
194 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania. Susanah R. was the wife of ex-Judge
Hicks, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and died May 3, 1904.
GEORGE M. SCHMIDT, now engaged in the real estate business at
Pittsburg, is the son of George and Elizabeth (Lang) Schmidt. The father,
George Schmidt, is a native of Germany, and came to America before the Civil
war and settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the real estate
business, which he has continued in until the present time. His children are
as follows: i. Anna Charlotte. 2. Elizabeth Minerva. 3. Edna Birrtha. 4.
Henry Frederick. 5. George M.
George M. Schmidt was reared and received his earlier education in Pitts-
burg, later entered Princeton University, from which he graduated with the
class of 1893. He then entered the real estate business with his father, and is
still thus engaged.
He was united in marriage to Anna Scott Negley, daughter of Major
Felix Casper and Margaret A. (Dickson) Negley. Margaret A. Dickson was
the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Brown) Dickson. j\Iajor Felix Casper
Negley was born February 28, 1825, and died in Pittsburg October 5, 1902.
He was the son of John and Anna Elizabeth (Patterson) Negley. (See com-
plete genealogical sketch of the Negley family in this work.) The children of
Major Negley were as follows : i. John Dickson, of East Orange, New Jersey,
married Isabella Sculley. 2. Mary Elizabeth, wife of John S. Sculley. 3. Mar-
garet Brown, married William W. Ramsay. 4. Felix Casper, married Mary
Seton Appleton. 5. Jessie Patterson, married Joseph L. Mitchell. 6. Henry
Hull, married Anne St. Clair Williamson. 7. Minerva Susan, unmarried. 8.
Alice Keziah, unmarried. 9. William George, married Martha Thomas. 10.
Anna Scott, wife of George M. Schmidt.
DAVID GEORGE CLARK, a well-known citizen of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, who resides at No. 7001 Susquehanna street in that city, who has been
prominent and influential in business circles as well as in the political affairs
of the city, is a native of this country, but of English descent.
Clark, father of David George Clark, was born in England, died
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in September, 1865. He had learned tlie trade of
carpentry in England, emigrated to this country in 1831, and followed this oc-
cupation throughout the active years of his life. He married Elizabeth Baker,
also a native of England, and they had children: William J.; Benjamin J.,
who died September 25, 1865; Mary Elizabeth, who died in 1900; David
George, of whom see forward ; John W.
David George Clark, third son and fourth child of — and Elizabeth
(Baker) Clark, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1845. His
education was acquired in the public schools of his native city, and he was
then occupied with farm work for a number of years. He accepted a position
as commercial salesman with a firm of tobacco dealers and traveled for them
for fifteen consecutive years. He associated hidiself in business with the Peo-
ple's Realty Company, with offices at No. 614 Homewood avenue, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, in 1903, and this business connection exists up to the present
time (igo6). He devoted much time and attention to forwarding the public
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 195-
welfare of the city, was assessor of the Twenty-first ward for one term, and
judge of elections many times. He is a charter member and a consistent at-
tendant at the Homewood Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of
Allegheny Chapter No. 445, Royal Arcanum, and of the Junior Order of United
American Alechanics.
He married Alary Jane Anderson, daughter of Thomas Anderson, and they
have had children: William L., born in March, 1882; Thomas H., born No-
vember 3, 18 — , deceased; Benjamin H., born in 1878; Edward H.
CHARLES A. BINGAMxA.N, although one of the younger business men
of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has been closely identified with its commercial and
manufacturing interests for some time, and has acquired a reputation for busi-
ness ability which is second to none. He is descended from one of the old fam-
ilies of the state.
Joseph P. Bingaman, father of Charles A. Bingaman, was born in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, in November, 1838. He was occupied as a teacher in
the public schools for a number of years, and came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
in 1867. He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, where
his services were highly valued for a number of years. He was prominently
identified with the municipal government for a period of twenty-five rears, and
was esteemed for the efficient manner in which he managed all affairs entrusted
to his care. He married Fannie Slagle, daughter of Christian Slagle, and had
children : Charles A., see forward ; \^'alter S., a well-known physician of Pitts-
burg; and Nancy S.
Charles A. Bingaman, son of Joseph P. and Fannie (Slagle) Bingaman,
was born in Fairfield, Iowa, September i, 1874. His education was acquired
in the common and high schools of Pittsburg. He then entered upon his busi-
ness career, being engaged in the cement business for some years, and in 1904
associated himself in business with Norman A. Savage, imder the corporation
name of the Bingaman-Savage Brass Company, for the purpose of manufac-
turing brass specialties, etc. In this undertaking they have been very success-
ful, having earned a reputation for sterling integrity and reliability in all their
business dealings. Mr. Bingaman is a man of pleasant, cheerful demeanor and
courteous manners, and has a host of friends. He is a member of the follow-
ing organizations : Homewood Lodge No. 635, Free and Accepted Masons ;
Pittsburg Lodge No. 11, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Improved
Order of Heptasophs ; Sons of the American Revolution ; and the Americus Re-
publican Club.
FREDERICK WTRTH. The late Frederick Wirth, for many years a
popular hotelkeeper of Pittsburg, was born March 6, 183 1, at Burbach, Saur-
bricker, Prussia. After leaving school he was employed in the coal mines, and
at the age of sixteen emigrated to the United States, settling in Pittsburg, where
he was employed by a Mr. Tickheisen, of Baldwin township, Allegheny county.
He afterward turned his attention to iron work, and then became proprietor of
a hotel on Carson street. His success speedily demonstrated the fact that he
had not mistaken his calling, and in 1889 he opened a hotel on his property on
the corner of Thirtieth and Carson streets, which he conducted until 1893. His
196 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
genial qualities as a host caused his hotel to be a place where debates were
held and topics of the day freely discussed. In 1893 he retired from business,
thenceforth making his home in a house which he had erected in 1883 on the
corner of Thirtieth street and Corey alley. He was a Democrat and a member
of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Wirth married, in 1876, Mrs. Mary C. Snyder, and the following chil-
dren were born to them : Robert, died when three years old ; Gilbert, died in in-
fancy ; Charles; and Florence Magdalen, died October 7, 1891, aged six years.
Charles, the youngest of the three sons, was born in January, 1883, and edu-
cated in a Roman Catholic parochial school, the Wickersham public schools
and the Pittsburg Academy. Three years ago he adopted the theatrical pro-
fession, and has since taken prominent parts in such leading dramas as "A
Woman's Struggle" and "When the Worlds Sleep."
The death of Mr. Wirth, which occurred May 7, 1905, deprived the com-
munity of an excellent man and an active, public-spirited citizen, a liberal con-
tributor to church work and to the relief of the poor, a man of the kindest dis-
position, one to whom an appeal for help was never addressed in vain.
Mrs. Wirth is a daughter of Jacob Hartz and a granddaughter of John
Hartz, who brought his family from Germany when he was quite advanced in
years and had retired from business. He died in the home of his daughter.
Jacob Hartz, son of John Hartz, lived on Twenty-second street, or rather
on the site of Twenty-second street, all that section of the city being then a
large farm which he rented from a prominent family. He moved after a time
to a farm twelve miles from Pittsburg, but returned to the city and opened a
grocery store on Pine street, which he conducted until advancing years forced
him to sell the business to his son. Jacob Hartz married Mary Magdalene Bicker,
and their children were : Margaret, deceased, wife of Peter Snyder ; Kate,
widow of George Bauldauf ; John, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania ; Peter, of the
same place ; Mary C. ; Barbara, widow of Charles Wild : Jacob, deceased ; and
Magdalene, also deceased. Jacob Hartz died in 1884. and his widow passed
away in 1888. Both were devout Roman Catholics.
Mary C. Hartz, daughter of Jacob and Mary Magdalene ( Bicker) Hartz,
was born on what is now Twenty-second street, and married, in 1864, John A.,
born in 1837 ""• Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, son of Henry Snyder, who brought
his family to the United States and settled in the neighborhood of Twelfth
street. He died soon after during an epidemic of cholera, and John A. Snyder,
being thus left fatherless at an early age, was sent by the parish priest of St.
Michael's church to St. Vincent's College to prepare for the priesthood. On
leaving college he became a teacher in the parochial school of St. Michael's
church, and later was elected justice of the peace, serving in that office during
the remainder of his life. He spoke seven languages and acted as court inter-
preter in Pittsburg. He was a strong Democrat and an active worker for the
organization. He died August 10, 1875, leaving one son, Henry A., who was
a machinist, and at the time of his death kept a grocery store on Carson street.
He married Catharine Mauhler, and died in 1892.
PETER BOCK, residing at No. 419 North Euclid avenue, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, is the proprietor of one of the largest grain, feed and hay estab-
lishments in the city. He is a man of excellent business capacity, carrying into
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 197
his business methods those methodical habits of thrift and industry inherited
from German ancestors.
George Bock, father of Peter Bock, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in
1822, and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 1887. He was educated in his native
land and there also learned the trade of stone masonry, which had been the oc-
cupation of his father. At the age of sixteen years, in company with two of
his brothers, he emigrated to America, where he followed his trade for a num-
-ber of years. Later he branched out into general contracting, making a spe-
cialty of laying the foundations of buildings, and some of the most imposmg
and miportant buildings in Pittsburg, notably on the East Side, stand on foun-
dations which were laid by him. Among tliese may be mentioned the founda-
tion of the fir&t Roman Catholic church erected in the East End, that of St.
Peter and St. Paul, in 1857. This church is now located on Larmer avenue.
He built his own residence in Negley street (now avenue J, and was the owner
of a number of other pieces of property, which have now greatly increased in
value. He married Elizabeth Leibeck, born in Hessen, Germany, in 1822, and
died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1897, and they were the parents of children :
I. Caroline, who died at the age of seventeen years. 2. Simon, who died in
1904, married Nina Bruchster, and had five children. 3. Henry J., married
Annie ^laloney, and resides on Negley avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 4.
George. 5. Aiary, of Pittsburg. 6. John, who died at tne age of forty-two
years. 7. Josephine, who married Frederick Schaud, of Pittsburg. 8 and 9.
Albert and Peter, twins; concerning the latter see forward. 10. Annie.
Peter Bock, seventh son and ninth child of George and Elizabeth (Lei-
beck) Bock, was born on North Negley avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June
20, 1864. He received an excellent education m the parochial schools of St.
Peter and St. Paul, and upon its completion he entered the business of his
father, a grain and feed line, where he gained a practical and thorough knowl-
edge of this line of trade. He remained thus employed until 1885, when he
entered the employ of W. J. Mackey, and at the end of five years entered into
a partnership with L. P. Koss, also in the grain and feed business, under the
firm name ot Peter Bock & Company. They also carried on an express business
under the firm name of L. P. Ross & Company. In both of these enterprises
they met with unqualified success, and the partnership continued until 1892,
when Mr. Ross sold his interests to Mr. Bock, who thenceforth carried on the
business alone on the same methods which had previously characterized it. The
business, which is carried on on a large scale, is second to none in the city, arid
is now (1907J located on North Euclid avenue. Mr. Bock has a number of
other business interests, among them large real estate holdings. He is a mem-
ber of St. Peter and St. Paul's Roman Catholic church, and of the Catholic
Mutual Benefit Association. His political support is given to the Democratic
party.
Mr. Bock married, September 2j, 1885, Emma Florig, and they have had
children: Edward P., born January 15, 1887, is an architectural draftsman;
Alarie Z., born July 19, 1891 ; and Leo A., born in November, 1893.
HON. CHARLES F. KIRSCHLER. As an example of the success which
may be attained by honest, determined effort and perseverance there can be no
name more entitled to mention than that which heads this sketch, that of Hon.
198 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Charles F. Kirschler, mayor of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Mayor Kirsch-
ler, as his name indicates, is of German descent, his ancestors having been
highly respected members of the community in Germany.
Christopher Kirschler, father of Mayor Charles F. Kirschler, was born
in Baden Baden, Germany, in 1828, and there his childhood and early youth
were spent. He was about fifteen years of age when he emigrated to the
United States, located in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he resided for a
number of years. Shortly after his marriage he established himself in the
mercantile business, in which he was successfully engaged until about 1870
or 1872, when he removed to Allegheny and engaged in the hotel business,
with which he was closely identified until his death in 1876. His political
affiliations were with the Republican party, and during the Civil war and
until the time of his death he wielded considerable influence in the counsels
of that party. He married, in 1850, Christina Hillenbrand, born in Franken-
bach, Wuertemberg, Germany, in 1826, daughter of Andrew and Hannah
Hillenbrand, who came with their children to this country in 1846. The family
went directly to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, settling in that section which is now
the junction of Penn and Negley avenues. Subsequently they removed to Lovi,
Beaver county, where Christina met and married Christopher Kirschler. She
was for many years a member of the German Evangelical church, and an
active and consistent worker in its interests. She was known throughout the
city for her charity, and died, after an illness of five weeks, at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. William A. Hadfield, No. 413 Jackson street, Allegheny,
May 10, 1906. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kirschler were nine
in number, of whom the following are now (1907) living: i. Mary, wife of
Charles Beeler, Wallrose post office, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 2. Andrew,
Ogle post office, Butler county, Pennsylvania. 3. Simon, director of the depart-
ment of charities, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 4. Elizabeth, married James Mc-
Farland, a resident of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 5. Emma, married William
A. Hadfield, of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. 6. Hon. Charles F., see forward.
7. Edward, resides in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
Hon. Charles F. Kirschler, third surviving son and sixth surviving child
of Christopher and Christina (Hillenbrand) Kirschler, was born in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1864. His early years were spent under the
parental roof, and he attended the public schools of Allegheny. Later he was
a student at the Iron City and Duffs business colleges. He was but fourteen
years of age when he accepted a position as errand boy in Palmer's wall paper
store, in Wood street, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, remained there for one year
and then secured a position as messenger in the Third National Bank of Alle-
ghenv. Here he remained about twelve years, his ambition, reliability and
careful attention to all the details of the numerous duties which fell to his
share winning for him steady promotion, so that at the end of this period he
held the position of general bookkeeper. At this time he purchased the grocery
business of James Lockhart, located at No. 103 Federal street, but one year
later disposed of it to advantage and associated himself with the D. Lutz &
Son Brewing Company, being elected secretary and treasurer of this corpora-
tion. He remained in this capacity for about seven or eight years, severing
his connection with them in 1902. He then entered into a business association
with F. H. Tooker and A. L. Brahm, and together they purchased Newell's
Hotel, in Fifth avenue, Pittsburg. They conducted this very successfully until
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 199
1904, when Mayor Kirschler retired from the business in order to accept the
presidency of the Provident Trust Company of Allegheny, to which position
he had been elected, and which he is tilling at the present time. Since his early
manhood he had been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, taking a
keen interest in doing all in his power to advance its Cause. He served as a
member of the select council of Allegheny four years, during that time being
chairman of the committee on iinance. His conscientious and efficient manage-
ment of the matters entrusted to his care did not pass without attracting the
commendation it so justly deserved, and in the spring of 1906 he was nominated
and elected to the office of chief magistrate of the city of Allegheny, a position
he is now filling with dignity and ability. He is noted for his strict sense of jus-
tice and his devotion to the duties which his position entails, and has won the
hearty respect and esteem of all political factions. He is an attendant at the
German Evangelical Lutheran church, and is a member of Allegheny Lodge
No. 339, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the L^nion Club of
Pittsburg.
He married, in 1892, Ida May McClurg, daughter of John McClurg,
president of the James McClurg Company, cracker bakers, and they have
had children : Carl F., Jr., John, deceased, and Elizabeth.
DAVID KERR BRYCE, deceased, who was for many years a member of
the firm of Bryce Brothers, glass manufacturers of the city of Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, was a son of James and Elizabeth (Hughes) Bryce, honored residents
of the city.
He was born in the Twenty-si.xth ward of Pittsburg May 13, 1849, and
died September 22. 1885. He attended the public schools of the city until he
was twelve years of age, and was then given an office position in the business
of his father, which was then known as Bryce, Walker & Company, and thus
entered upon his business career. Later the firm name was changed to Brvce
Brothers. He was very methodical in his business dealings, of strict integrity,
and was held in high esteem in business circles. He kept well abreast of the
times in all matters of public importance, and was a strong advocate of the
cause of temperance. His political support was given to the Republican party,
in whose work he took a deep interest, but he was never an office seeker. Early
in life he became a member of the United Presbyterian church, and was a mem-
ber of the board of trustees of the First United Presbyterian church of Pitts-
burg during the ministry of Rev. Dr. W. J. Reid. He served as recording sec-
retary of the board of trustees for many years, and was a man of sincere inter-
ests. He was of kind and gentle disposition, beloved by his employes, and
possessed of many friends. His death was truly and deeply regretted. He
married, June 19, 1879. Rev. W. G. Reed officiating, Mary N. Norris, a daugh-
ter of Dowling and Elizabeth K. (BrowneT Norris, and they had two children,
George D. and Howard, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Bryce is a member
of the L^nited Presbyterian church, and devotes the greater part of her time to
the cause of religion. She has been a teacher in the Sabbath-school connected
with that institution for many years, and is a member of the board of trustees
of tlie Home for Aged People, a member of the Young People's Church L^nion,
and of the board of directors of the United Presbyterian \\'omen's Association.
Robert Norris, grandfather of Mrs, Bryce and the American ancestor of
2DO
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
the Norris family in this country, was a native of Ireland who emigrated ta
America many years ago. He lived for a short time in the state of New Jersey,
later removing to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he took up a large
tract of land in West Deer township, on which he resided all his life. His oc-
cupation was that of farming. He was a charter member of the United Pres-
byterian church of Deer Creek, and devoted to its interests. He married, first.
Rlary Mackrell, and had children: i. James, deceased, married Christiana
Cornahan, and had nine children. They were also farmers and lived in Butler
county, Pennsylvania. 2. William, deceased, was also a farmer in Butler
county, where he died in 1906 at the advanced age of ninety-four years. He
married, first, Mary Watson, by whom he had two children. He married, sec-
ond, Nancy Hemphill, and raised a family of eleven children. 3. Martha, de-
ceased, married, first, J. Henry; second, a Mr. Shaw; had four children. 4.
Margaret, deceased, married, first, a Mr. Culmer ; had four children; second.
George Gibson ; had four children. 5. Jane, deceased, married William Daw-
son, a farmer of West Deer township, and had nine children. 6. Mary Ann, de-
ceased, married James Harvey, a farmer of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and
had six children. 7. Nancy, deceased, married George Pillow, a farmer of East
Deer township, Allegheny county. 8. Susan, deceased, married Thomas Mont-
gomery, and had nine children. 9. Robert, died at the age of twenty-four years.
10. Dowling. Robert Norris married, second, Catherine Mackrell, but had no
children by this marriage.
Dowling Norris, fourth son and tenth and youngest child of Robert and
Mary (Mackrell) Norris, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in July,
1823, and died August 12, 1858. He attended the public schools of the district
and during his spare time assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm.
He was quiet and unassuming in his demeanor, and was a kind and loving
husband and father. He received for his share of the paternal estate one hun-
dred acres of land, upon which he was preparing to build a home at the time
of his death. Later his plans were carried out by his widow. He was a mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian church, and a regular attendant at the services
in that institution. He married, October 4, 1848, Elizabeth K. Browne, born
in Philadelphia September i, 1824, a daughter of James and Annie (Sim)
Browne. I\'Irs. Dowling Norris since 1886 has made her home with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Bryce, and though now in her eighty- fourth year is as bright and
active as many women many years her junior. Her youthful appearance and
cheerful spirit strengthen this impression. She is a devoted churchwoman and
a member of the United Presbyterian church at the corner of Stanton and
North Negley avenues. She takes a keen interest in all the topics of the day.
Mr. and Mrs. Dowling Norris had children: i. Robert J., who died at the age
of sixteen years. 2. Annie S., married Robert Gray, of West Deer township,
and is the mother of children : Edna J., William Garfield, Russell Stanley and
Paul Barton. 3. Mary N., v,'idow of David K. Bryce, as before stated. 4.
David, died at the age of about thirty years. 5. William Henry, deceased. He
was a bright young student, his aim being the study of law, but he was drowned
at Cape May while trying to save the life of another young man. His body was
never recovered.
THE CARROLL-ROOK FAMILIES. The following sketch will treat
of the families to which Alexander R. Carroll belongs, he being the son
f
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 201
of Charles A. and Helen E. (Rook) Carroll. He is one of Greater Pitts-
burg's esteemed young business men and now the manager of the adver-
tising department of the Pittsburg Dispatch. He was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, Alay 28, 1878.
The father, Charles A. Carroll, was born in Allegheny City and after re-
ceiving his education entered the office of the Dispatcli as advertising clerk, and
subsequently was connected with the firm which published that journal and
became its advertising manager. He was a staunch Republican, but in no sense
an office seeker. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was reared in the
Episcopal church. He married ]\Iiss Helen E. Rook, daughter of Alexander
William and Harriet Lucile (Beck) Rook. By this union were born: i. Al-
exander Rook, born May 28, 1878. 2. Eugene O., born ]\Iarch 31, 1880, died
Julv 18, 1890. 3. Alfred Howard, born April 4, 1882. 4. Harriett Alice, born
July 9, 1886.
Alexander Rook Carroll, eldest son of Charles A. Carroll and wife, ob-
tained his education at the Shadyside Academy, Pittsburg, and Trinitv Hall
and Kiskiminetis preparatory schools. In 1898 he entered the office of the
Pittsburg Dispatch as collector, and in a few months was promoted to manager
of the advertising department, in which capacity he has been highly successful.
Politically he is a supporter of the Republican party and in church faith an
Episcopalian.
April 21, 1903, he was married to JMiss Elizabeth Baggaley, born in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1881, a daughter of Ralph and Mary (Arthurs)
Baggaley. Mr. and ]\Irs. Carroll are popular in the social circles of their part
of the city.
Concerning Mrs. Carroll's people it may here be stated that her father,
Rudolph Baggaley, is a native of Allegheny City, born in 1846, a son of William
and Elizabeth (Blair) Baggaley. When quite young he was sent to Germany,
where he received a part of his education and after his return took up news-
paper work for a short time. He was anxious to serve in the Civil war, and
when yet young enlisted, but on account of his age and the objections of his
parents he was discharged, after which he was sent to Germany. He remained
abroad three years. He was one of the organizers of the George Westinghouse
Company, with which he was connected for thirty years. He was also con-
nected with the United States Glass Company, of which he was the president
at one time. He is now interested in the industry of copper mining. He is
interested in the Pittsburgh and Montana Mining Company, with offices in the
Farmers" Bank Building. He is in church faith a Presbyterian. He was mar-
ried, first, to Mary Arthurs, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, ]\Iay 27, 1839, ^^d
died December 19, 1890, and was buried in the Allegheny cemetery. She was
of the Episcopal religious faith. The children born of this union were: i.
Robert A., born August 18, 1876, died February 13, 1906. 2. Mary, born Sep-
tember 3, 1878, wife of David K. Irwin. 3. Elizabeth, born April 3, 1881, wife
of yiv. Carroll, of this notice. 4. Annabell Whitney, born October 16, 1885.
wife of Walter R. Hine. 5. William B., born July 21, 1887. After the death
of ^Irs. Baggaley, the mother of this family. Air. Baggaley married Effie K.
Irwin, daughter of George M. and Euphemia ( King) Irwin. By this union two
children were born: i. Euphemia, born May 24. 1898. 2. Ralph, Jr., born
August 10, 1900.
202
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Of the Rook family, from which Mr. Carroll descended, the following is
the family history in brief:
Alexander W. Rook was born in Pittsburg in 1826. His parents came to
western Pennsylvania from Xew York state some years prior to his birth. He
was given the best education then obtainable in Pittsburg, and early in life dis-
played a bent of mind running to mechanics. While young he gained the con-
sent of his parents to learn the printer's trade, and he entered the job office
of Johnston & Stockson as a roller-boy and typesetter. At the same
time he did not abandon his education. From the outset it was clear to be
seen that he had made the correct choice of trades, for he soon showed a de-
cided liking for the art and was apprenticed to the Pittsburg Post for a term
of six years, a part of the term working on the Chronicle. At the end of his ap-
prenticeship he was called one of the best printers in the city. But believing
other larger cities afforded better facilities for advanced printing, he added to
his fund of knowledge by working in the composing rooms of the Philadelphia
Ledger and the New York Herald. In 1850 he returned to Pittsburg, where
he became the first representative of the local typographical union, then just
formed. Two years later he went to Greensburg and bought an interest in the
Peiiiis\lvania Argus. This venture did not fully satisfy him, and in 1854 he
returned to Pittsburg, where he took the foremanship of the Ez'ening Chronicle.
This was the first opportunity he had really had to display his executive ability,
and his success was marked. From that date up to 1864 the Chronicle was the
best-managed paper in the country. In 1865 he formed a partnership with
Daniel O'Neill and they were associated with J. H. Foster & Company, then
publishers of the Dispatch. Mr. Rook took full charge of the mechanical end of
the business, while his partner conducted the editorial part. It was a strong
combination of natural abilities. In a short time the paper forged its way to
the forefront. After the death of Mr. O'Neill, in 1877, Mr. Rook found' the
task too great for his strength, and early in 1880 his health failed and the end
came quickly. He died August 14, 1880. He was highly charitable and was
noted for sending poor children from his city to the country on pleasant ex-
cursions. Pie held high rank in Masonry and other orders. He married, in
1858, Miss Harriett L. Beck, an alliance which had a marked influence over his
after life. At his death he left a son, Charles A. Rook, secretary of the Dispatch
Company ; Helen E., wife of C. A. Carroll ; Edwin M., who died May 28, 1906;
and Harry C. Rook. Mrs. Rook died September 30, 1907.
WILLIAM ELSWORTH CREADY, N. D., a physician and surgeon of
eminence in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who makes a specialty of eye and throat
diseases, is a member of a family which has been closely identified with the his-
tory of the county of Allegheny for some years.
Peter W. Cready. father of Dr. Cready, was born at Cready's Hill, .Al-
legheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1^29, and died in 1905. His education was
acquired in the public schools of what was at that time Birmingham borough,
but is now known as .South Pittsburg, and he then took up the trade of plaster-
ing, which he followed with success until the outbreak of the Civil war, when
he was one of the first to enlist in defense of the rights of his country. At the
expiration of his first enlistment he re-enlisted and served until the close of
the war. He enlisted as a private and was detailed to special service under
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 203
Colonel Ellsworth. His record shows that he served with gallantry and bravery
and distinguislied himself on a number of occasions. Upon his return to his
home at the close of the war he resumed his occupation of plastering, branching
out into the contracting business under the firm name of Cready & Reed, and
they were the leading firm in that line in South Pittsburg. They received con-
tracts for all the finest work on the best buildings in the city, and for about
thirty-five years he had charge of the repairs and general work of the Phillips
Glass Company estate. He was a staunch upholder of the principles of the Re-
publican party and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Junior Order of
United American Mechanics.
He married, first, Margaret McKee, a descendant of the old family of that
name, and they had children: i. Thomas Jeft'erson, who is a contractor and
builder in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. He married Mary Johnson and has one
daughter, Amanda. 2. Anna, married Watson Reed, of Irwin Station, West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania, and had children : Ida ; Daisy ; and Harry,
deceased. 3. Harry, resides in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He is a retired
foreman of the Woods Russia Iron Works, and married Lizzie Hahn, by whom
he had children : Walter : and Wilbur, deceased. Air. Cready married, second,
about 1856, Jemima Graham, born in Pittsburg in 1836, and died April 18,
1904, a daughter of William Graham, a native of Scotland. William Graham
was a prominent merchant of the South Side for a number of years, was a
member of the Presbyterian church, and died at the age of forty-six years,
leaving a widow and four children. Peter W. and Jemima (Graham) Cready
had children: i. Kate, married George Meckin, a member of the fire depart-
ment of Pittsburg, and residing in the Thirty-eighth ward of that city. They
have one child, Elmer. 2. Emma, married Clark Haines, who is auditor in the
office of the Pittsburg Steel Company and resides in Knoxville, Pennsylvania.
They have one child, Lillian. 3. William Elsworth, see forward. 4. Robert
Stanton, deceased, was drowned at the age of fourteen years. 5. Jennie, mar-
ried Albert Fisher, a glass blower, residing in St. Clair, Pennsylvania. They
have children : Harry ; Bertha : Frank : William ; Albert ; Emma and Catherine,
twins; and Fannie. 6. Walter, residing at Xo. 2109 Sarah street. South Side,
married Gertrude Strock and has children : May, W'alter, Alice. Ruth and
William. 7. A daughter who died in infancy.
William Elsworth Cready, N. D., eldest son and third child of Peter W.
and Jemima (Graham) Cready, was born in the South Side, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, October 12. 1863. His preparatory education was acquired in the
public schools of W'hat was at that time the borough of Birmingham, now the
Twenty-sixth ward of Pittsburg, and in the private school of Professor Bane.
At the age of fifteen years he took up the trade of bricklaying, which he fol-
lowed for a period of twenty years, at the same time working hard to increase
his knowledge, in which later events have proved his determination and suc-
cess. He was graduated from the Columbia College of Chicago, Illinois, in
1898, then entered Duttins College, in the same city, in which he took a course
in medicine and was graduated with honor and the degree of Doctor of Medi-
cine March 25, 1903. He then entered McCormick"s Neurological College,
from which he graduated in April. 1905, taking a postgraduate course. He
then took a special course of study in the Thompsonian Medical and Oste-
opathic College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He makes a specialty of disease
204 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of the eye and throat, and has attained more than a merely local reputation
through his success in the treatment of these troubles, and his general success
as a physician and surgeon. He has very finely equipped offices, containing X-
ray machines and all other appointments that are known to medical science. He
is a member of the American Medical Union and of the Nature Osteopathic
Union, holding the office of treasurer in the latter organization. His political
affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is a regular attendant at the
services of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Cready married, September 21, 1906, in Pittsburg, Carrie Hochschwen-
der, born in Pittsburg March 14, 1870, a daughter of John and Carrie (Heinz)
Hochschwender, who have one other child, Amanda, who married Lewis Modis-
patcher. John Hochschwender was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, and has
been in the employ of the T. C. Jenkins Wholesale Grocery Company as sales-
man for a period of thirty-five years.
WILLIAM LEVI WOODSIDE, one of the leading undertakers of Pitts-
burg, was born October 3, 1876, in Wilkinsburg, a son of Archibald Woodside
and grandson of William Woodside, who was born in Ireland about 1800, being
a native of the northern part of the country. In his early manhood he emi-
grated to the United States and settled at Wilkinsburg, where he owned and
cultivated a farm. On this land the best part of Wilkinsburg now stands.' He
took no part in politics and was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian
church.
William Woodside married a lady whose given name was Sarah, a native
of Scotland, and they were the parents of ten children, five sons and as many
daughters. All the sons of this family, wonderful to relate, were deaf mutes,
while the daughters were entirely normal. Following is the record of these
children, who all lived to a good old age : Robert, of Doylestown, Pennsyl-
vania, now eighty-nine, his wife having died in 1905, at eighty, no children;
Samuel, died from an accident twenty-two years ago, aged sixty-seven ; James,
died at seventy-eight, shoemaker, as was also his brother Robert ; William,
killed in 1900 by accident on the Pennsylvania railroad, married, children.
Thomas, Archibald, Sadie, William and Minnie; Archibald, of whom later;
Jane, wife of Thomas Dougherty, children, James, Archibald, Sadie and Annie ;
Rose, wife of John Ashwood, of St. Louis, Missouri, children, Walter, a clergy-
man, and Annie ; Mary Ann, deceased, wife of Robert Woodside, of W'ilkins-
burg, children, Robert, Samuel and Annie : Sarah, of Pittsburg : and another
daughter, name not given. Among the descendants of these children there
were no deaf mutes. William Woodside, the father, died in Wilkinsburg about
1876, his wife passing away at the age of eighty. They are buried in Mononga-
hela cemetery.
Archibald Woodside, a son of William Woodside, was born in August,
1838, at Wilkinsburg, and received his education at the institution for deaf
mutes in Philadelphia, where he spent seven years, and where in addition to
acquiring an education he learned the tailor's trade. After his return home he
learned the plasterer's trade, at which he worked six years. At the end of that
time he and his sister Sarah, in connection with others, organized a school for
deaf mutes at Pittsburg, the first of the kind in that city. This school was
subsequently absorbed by the Turtle Creek school, which later moved to Edge-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 205
wood and is now the largest school of the kind in western Pennsylvania. ' About
1877 he entered the service of the Armstrong Cork Company, and for fifteen
years filled the position of foreman of the plant. He remained with the com-
pany in all thirty years, and in January, 1907, was placed on the retired list in
recognition of his long and faithful service. He erected his present home in
1870, and also built three other houses, which he sold. He was one of the
prime movers in the founding of the Home for Deaf Mutes at Doylestown.
His church membership is with the Reformed Presbyterians.
Mr. Woodside married, in 1868, Sarah E. Showalter (also a mute), born
September 6, 1847, at Smithfield, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Levi and Elizabeth Showalter, and sister of the Honorable J. B. Showalter, for
several terms member of congress from Butler, Pennsylvania. Sarah E. Sho-
walter was educated at the Philadelphia School for Deaf Mutes. Mr. and Mrs.
Woodside have been the parents of the following children : Daisy, died at the
age of three years ; Alaud, died at seven years ; William Levi, of whom later ;
Annie, died aged four years; Samuel, born October 14, 1881, of Pittsburg, an
engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad, Allegheny division, married Euphemia
McAllister, one son, Melvin, born December 25, 1905 ; Sarah B., wife of Ira
A. Wilson, of Wilkinsburg, one son, Joseph ; and Archibald G., born May 6,
1887, at home.
William Levi Woodside, son of Archibald and Sarah E. (Showalter)
Woodside, received his education in the public schools of Wilkinsburg, and
after leaving school was for four years employed by Thomas D. Turner, an
undertaker of Wilkinsburg. He was then for one year in the service of the
H. C. Frick Coke Company, being employed in the shipping department and at
clerical work. During the following year he was employed at the undertaking
business in Verona, Pennsylvania. At the end of that time he returned to Pitts-
burg and went into business for himself, purchasing the livery establishment
of J. M. Bigger and adding to it the undertaking business. He is among the
leaders of his calling in the city, having graduated from the L^nited States
School of Embalming, Chicago, and having also passed examination of the state
board of embalming. He belongs to the Knights of Malta and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and in the sphere of politics affiliates with the Repub-
lican party. He is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church.
Mr. Woodside married, July 11, 1895, Sarah Ruth, born August 23, 1880,
daughter of Calvin and Laura B. Hibbets, and they have had one son, William
Calvin, born April 6, 1897. and died July 23, 1897. Mrs. W^oodside is a gradu-
ate of the Wilkinsburg high school. Her parents are now residents of Los
Angeles, California, Mr. Flibbets having retired from business.
JOHN O'DONNELL, of Pittsburg, now living in retirement, but during
his active career of half a century identified with the railroad system and the
coal industry of his native state, was born March 17, 1836, in Butler county, a
son of Hugh O'Donnell and grandson of Connell O'Donnell, who was born in
Donegal, Ireland, whence he came to the United States in the latter part of the
seventeenth century. He settled first in Philadelphia, and when Ohio was made
a state set out with a company for that then wild region, but, falling ill, was
left behind in Westmoreland county. Thence he migrated in 1797 to Pitts-
2o6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
burg, hiring a house on the corner of Third and Market streets at an annual
rent of twenty dollars.
He was a tailor and followed his trade during the winters, going in the
summers to Butler county, where he had previously purchased land from the
government for fifty cents an acre, ten cents down and the remainder payable in
twenty years, at no interest. He cultivated this land, spending his winters in
Pittsburg until 1801, when he settled permanently on his farm, where he had
built a log cabin. It was there he passed the remaining years of his life, a
period of more than twenty years, but was several times driven from his land
by the Indians. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment.
Pennsylvania Alilitia. and served in the war with the Greek Indians on the
Columbia river. David Boyle being the captain of his company and James Gil-
lespie the first lieutenant. He was a Roman Catholic, and when living in Pitts-
burg, where there was no church of that faith, mass was celebrated in his
tailor shop.
Connell O'Donnell married Alice Dougan, also a native of Ireland, and
the following children were born to them : Hugh, of whom later ; John ;
Charles; Dennis; James; Bridget; Mary, and Ellen. Mr. O'Donnell died in
1825. and his widow survived him nearly thirty years, passing away in 1854,
the former being the first Catholic buried in the county.
Hugh O'Donnell. son of Connell and Alice (Dougan) O'Donnell, was born
January I. 1796. in Westmoreland county, and received a good education in
Pittsburg, working on the farm during the summers. When a young man he
helped to build the Pennsylvania canal from Pittsburg to Johnstown, and also
assisted in the construction of the dam the breaking of which destroyed the
latter city. He worked on the old portage road, the first road built in the
county, until he became by inheritance the owner of his father's farm, on which
thereafter he made his home. He served as teamster in the army during the
war with the Creek Indians, and in politics was a Jackson Democrat. He was
a member of the Roman Catholic church.
Hugh O'Donnell married. January 28. 1834, the Reverend Father Gal- •
litzin officiating. Esther Pagan, born January 14, 1809, a daughter of Peter and
Bridget Fagan, the former born August 15, 1773, in Conewago, Adams county,
and the latter September 8, 1779, in York county. Peter Fagan was a shoe-
maker, working at his trade in the winter and farming in the summer, in
Cambria county. He died April 18, 1846, and the death of his widow occurred
November 17, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh O'Donnell became the parents of
the following children ; i. Charles, born November 14, 1834, died November
14, 1894. He was a passenger engineer and a farmer of Butler county, and
married Caroline Kuhns. of Pittsburg. Their children were : Albert, Harry
and Carl._ 2. John, of whom later. 3. James, born November 5, 1837, a farmer
of Butler county, and he served in the army, his death being the result of hard-
ships then endured. He married, first. Belle Myers, and, secondly. Belle Hough,
and left two sons, Charles and William. 4. Margaret, born November 30.
1839, wife of Anthony Shroup, a farmer, and mother of four children, Charles,
George, Francis and Mary. 5. Dennis, born August 24, 1841, in the oil busi-
ness in Butler county, married Sarah Galagher, and has one child, Mary.
6. Bridget, born August 18. 1843. ^^''^^ of Michael Gatens. a farmer of Butler
county, and mother of five children, Ellen. Jane, Esther, Sophie and Mary.
7. l''clix, born March 22, 1846, was in the oil business, married Mary Land-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 207
graft', and has four children, ^Margaret, WaUer, Gerome and Edward. 8. Peter,
born May 6, 1848, was an engineer and met an accidental death. 9. Mary,
born January 20, 1852, wife of Thomas Ellsworth, who was in the oil business.
Hugh O'Donnell, the father of this family, died June 13, 1879.
John O'Donnell, son of Hugh and Esther (Pagan) O'Donnell, was edu-
cated in the common schools of Butler county, and while still a boy assisted
his father in the labors of the farm. He remained at home until the age of
. sixteen, when he became a driver on the canal, but after serving for a short
time obtained employment as driver on the old portage road between plains 4
and 5.- In 185 1 he became car-hitcher on the incline, being afterward made
fireman at the head of incline No. 7, serving in that capacity until 1853. He
then entered the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a car-
buckler at the foot of plain No. 5, working under Levi McGuire, the despatcher.
In 1854 he was made brakeman, a position which he retained until 1859, when
he was promoted to that of fireman on freight. In 1861 he enlisted for three
months in the Third Regiment, "Pennsylvania Volunteers, but was soon dis-
charged on account of illness. From 1862 to 1864 he held the position of en-
gineer, being employed on trains carrying soldiers and supplies for the army.
In 1864 he re-enlisted in Company E, Two Hundred and First Regiment, and
served until the close of the war, being mustered out at Harrisburg June 21,
1865.
On returning home he again entered the service of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company, and until 1881 was engineer on the passenger service for this
company and also for the Baltimore & Ohio and Pan Handle Railroad Com-
panies. In 188 1 he became superintendent of the coal works at Connellsville,
holding the position sixteen years, at the end of that time moving to Home-
stead, where for four years he had charge of the pressure pumps. He was
then placed on the Carnegie pension list. He belongs to Post No. 236, G. A. R.,
and is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Lincoln. He is a member
of St. Canice's Roman Catholic church of Knoxville.
Mr. John O'Donnell married Lydia Noel, born January 6, 1837, in Adams
county, and they have been the parents of the following children : Martha,
born December 25, 1857, died in youth; Margaret, born July 17, 1859, wife of
Thomas Barnard, of Brooklyn, New York; Josephine, born May 28, 1866. re-
sides with her sister Alargaret; Elmer, born October 18, 1861, died in youth;
John, born April i, 1870, a machinist of Connellsville, married Minnie Woods;
Charles, born May i, 1872, a civil engineer for the Pittsburg Filtrating Plant;
Irene, at home ; and Estella, at home. -
THOMAS A. COLEMAN, one of the largest builders and contractors of
the borough of Wilkinsburg, was born July 9, 1856, near Bennington, Ver-
mont, a son of Thomas S. and Alice S. Coleman, the former a native of Ire-
land, who came to the L'nited States in the early thirties of the nineteenth cen-
tury and settled as a farmer and landowner in \'ermont. He and his wife were
the parents of a large family.
Thomas A. Coleman migrated in 1877 to western Pennsylvania, settling
first in Braddock, where he engaged in the mill business. Later he moved to
Wilkinsburg and began to work at his trade, which was that of a tinsmith.
After following his trade for some years he went into the building and con-
2o8 ■ .-:; CENTURY AND A HALF OF
trading business, in which he is still engaged, he having been very successful
from the beginning. He has already associated with him two of his sons, the
firm being now known as Thomas A. Coleman & Sons, builders and contractors.
They have erected many of the fine residences in the Liberty Valley and have
built a great portion of the residences in the Third Ward of Wilkinsburg, and
are recognized as one of the largest, if not the largest, building and contract-
ing firms of residential properties in this region. In recent years they have
built on an average from twenty to twenty-five dwellings annually. They
make a specialty of houses, rarely taking contracts 'for other buildings, and
employ a very large force of men. Mr. Coleman constantly handles a great
deal of real estate, buying lots and improving them. In local politics, in which
he has considerable influence, he is an independent voter, but in national aiifairs
is a staunch Republican.
Mr. Coleman has been twice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter
of John and Alargaret (Shaup) Miller, of Mifflin township, the former super-
intendent of the Lyall mines at Dravosburg and Camden. Mr. and Mrs. Cole-
man had four children: Edward J., Thomas S., Alice May and Reuben An-
drew. Mrs. Coleman died in 1895. The second and present wife of Mr. Cole-
man was Elizabeth, daughter of John E. and Elizabeth A. Delaney.
NORMAN FRANKLIN SAVAGE, who has for a number of years been
prominently identified with the commercial and manufacturing interests of the
city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and who resides at No. 7324 Kelly street, in
that city, was born in Confluence, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April ir.
1873. His education was obtained in the public and high schools of Pittsburg,
and he was then apprenticed to the plumbing trade. After following this for
some time he turned his attention to the manufacture of brass specialties, mak-
ing a decided success of this venture in business. He organized the company
of Bingaman & Savage in 1904, for the purpose of manufacturing brass articles
of every description. In 1907 he organized the Jackson Amusenient Company,
which now operates Hague Park, Jackson, Michigan, and which has been a
decided success. He has devoted much time and attention to affairs of public
moment in the city, and was elected a member of the common council of the
city in February, 1906.
Mr. Savage married Charlotte Nicholson, daughter of George P. Nichol-
son, of Pittsburg.
WESLEY SIMPSON WAKEFIELD, one of the skilled civil engineers
of Greater Pittsburg, was born in West Wheatfield township, Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, October 30, 1857. He descends from the following ancestral
line :
The founder of the Pennsylvania branch of the Wakefield family in the
United States was David Wakefield (I), born on the family estate on the road
between Aughrim and Ballinasloe, Galway county, Ireland. He was the son of
Robert Wakefield, of the same estate, the son of Robert Wakefield (who died
in England in the prime of his life from wounds received in battle), the son
of Doctor Albert Wakefield, who was the son of John Wakefield, the emigrant
from England to Ireland.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 209
(I) David Wakefield, founder of the family in this country, married
the daughter of Jeremiah Wade, a wealthy landed proprietor and neighbor of
the Wakefields in Galway county, Ireland. He emigrated to America be-
tween 1768 and 1773. Tradition says that he was implicated with his brothers,
Robert, beheaded ; Gilbert, arrested with Robert and imprisoned for life, and
Samuel, who escaped in a rowboat to Scotland, in the plot against Catholic
rule in Ireland, and when detected David was hidden by his wife in a hogshead
of clothes, with which she embarked to America and was three days out at sea
before the captain of the ship knew he was on board. By this means it is confi-
dently believed that he made iiis escape to this free country. Upon his arrival
in Baltimore he first settled in Path Valley, situated between the Tuscaroras
and Conecocheague mountains, in Perry county, then known as Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania, where some of the younger of his children were born.
After residing there for about sixteen years he settled on the north side of the
Conemaugh river, opposite Squirrel Hill, now New Florence, then in Cumber-
land, but now in Indiana county, at a point where now stands the village of
Centreville. After remaining there some two years and finding the title to
his land was defective they moved five miles to the northwest, to near the
headwaters of Richard's Run in Wheatfield township, sometime between 1788
and 1794, and there remained and where David died and was buried in the
familv burying-ground on the farm site of the old homestead. After his death
the widow went to reside with her eldest daughter, Joanna, who married Wil-
liam Carroll, a nephew of Charles Carroll, of CarroUton, Virginia, who was
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and who lived in the
\\olf Creek settlement, Mercer county, where she died and her remains were
laid beside her husband's. The descendants of David Wakefield and wife were
as follows: i. Thomas, born 1757, married Elizabeth Morton, niece of John
IMorton, who signed the Declaration of Independence; died in 1844; was in the
Revolutionary war and shared the hardships of the winter at Valley Forge with
General Washington. 2. Rev. James, born November 11, 1767, married Mary
Clark; died February 18, 1840; was the first Methodist minister in Indiana
county. 3. John, married Elizabeth Newlon, 1803, who was his nurse while
ill at a hotel on a visit to Dublin, Ireland. 4. Jeremiah, married Isabella Lynn.
5. David, born in October, 1778, married Jennie C. Carnahan. 6. Joanna,
married William Carroll. 7. Margaret, married Thomas Bracken. 8. !Mary,
married her nephew, Robert Wakefield.
(II) David Wakefield, the grandfather of the subject, was born October
II, 1778, in Path \*alley. Perry county, Pennsylvania ; married Jennie C. Carna-
han, also of Indiana covmty, where he lived and died September 16, 1844, and
was buried by the side of his wife in the family burying ground, where tomb-
stones mark their resting place. His wife was the daughter of Alexander and
Elizabeth Carnahan. The issue of David Wakefield and wife (II) was as fol-
lows: I. John W., born April 10, 1806; removed to Indianola, Iowa; married
Fannie Byers : died January 13, 1873. 2. Elizabeth, born August 24, 1808;
married Jacob Gamble ; died February 28, 1859. 3. Mary, born January 4,
1812; married George Gamble; died May 21, 1880. 4. James, born June 8,
1814: married Cynthia Palmer; was a farmer and surveyor; inherited a share
of the Wakefield estate; died February 18, 1888. 5. Jane, born June 10, 1818;
married William Palmer, and they moved West; died December 19, 1892.
6. Jeremiah, born April 19, 1823; married Lucinda Palmer; died September
iii — 14
210 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
2y, 1887. 7. Caroline, born October 7, 1825, unmarried, died April 4, 1889.
8. Thomas P., born September 10, 1829; married Ann Sides; served in the
Civil war; died January 2J, 1865.
(Ill) Jeremiah Wakefield, the subject's father and the son of David
Wakefield (II) and wife, was born April 19, 1823, in the Wakefield home-
stead, West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and was reared
on his father's farm, having but a limited advantage for education, but by per-
sonal application, however, he fitted himself for the duties and obligations of
life. While vet but a mere lad he taught school in the country districts and
became an important factor in promoting the best interests of the community.
He was of a truly studious nature and enjoyed the good library which he gath-
ered around him. July 2, 1844, he was married to Lucinda Palmer, daughter
of Pater and Frances (Gafney) Palmer, a prominent farmer on the "Ridge"
not far from the Wakefield farms. They lived on the farm that he inherited
from his father's estate and followed the occupation of a farmer. He became
an earnest advocate of the public school system, as well as every other enter-
prise for the uplift of man and had the general endorsement of all about him.
Being an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church, he organized the first
society of that denomination, known as the "German Methodist Episcopal
church" (because it was largely a German community). He was thoroughly
good and had the interests of the church at heart ; his brothers in Methodism
made him a local preacher of that denomination. Later he was an ordained
minister of the Gospel, and a member of the Pittsburg Conference, where he
served as a supply at Greenville, Diamondville, Strongstown and Belsane.
Politically he was a Jefferson Democrat, and ever took an active part in
public and political affairs. He was honored by his party by being elected
county commissioner in 1885. His residence was at the county seat, Indiana,
during his incumbency, where he died during the term for which he was
elected, on September 27, 1887, of capillary bronchitis, the result of a severe
cold. His remains were interred in the old family burying groimd on the
Wakefield homestead. West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, Pennsyl-
vania. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Wakefield were as fol-
lows: I. Mary J., born January 21, 1846, married Jacob Mack, a farmer of
Indiana county, and died in April, 1906. 2. ]\Iartin L., born July 12, 1848,
died September 3, 1852. 3. William E., born December 22, 1850, died Feb-
ruary 5, 1868. 4. Caroline E., born February 21, 1853, married John H. Camp-
bell, a farmer now residing in Indiana county. 5. Elizabeth M., born January
I, 1855, married John H. Kissinger, a music teacher and composer, residing at
Blairsville, Pennsylvania. 6. Wesley S., the subject, born October 30, 1857,
of whom later. 7. Clara F., born P'ebruary 12, i860, died September 29, 1865.
8. Martha Emma, born January 28, 1862, died October 10, 1865. 9. George
Washington, born March 20, 1865, married Miss • Campbell, and is in the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Blairsville.
The subject's mother, Lucinda (Palmer) Wakefield, was the daughter of
Peter and Frances (Gafney) Palmer, born May 4, 1823, and died January 13,
1890, after suffering nine months from an operation for a tumor under her arm
on the right side. She was buried with tlie other deceased members of the
family in the old family burying ground on the Wakefield farm. She was a
devoted member of the ^lethodist Episcopal church and always exemplified her
Christianity by her daily walk.
PITTSBURG AND HER' PEOPLE 211
(IV) Wesley Simpson Wakefield (subject) was born on his father's
farm in West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, October 30,
1857. He attended the public schools of the township and the higher schools
of the county, among others the Indiana Normal, and took a private course of
instruction in civil engineering. His first engagement at engineering work was
in 1 881 as transit man in Kentucky on the Paris, Georgetown & Frankport
Railroad, under George W. Luii'er, who located the famous Pack-Saddle Hol-
low line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1882 Mr. Wakefield was appointed
assistant engineer by the chief engineer, O. W. Barnes, engaged in the survey
of an opposition line to the Pennsylvania system. In the winter of 1882-83,
when Air. LutYer was made division engineer in the location of a line in the
Perkiomen \'alley in Montgomery and Lehigh counties from Norristown to
Allentown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wakefield was appointed assistant to the chief
engineer in charge of the field operations. Having completed that work on
May 5, 1884, he engaged in the engineering department of the city of Pitts-
burg under the directorship of Edward M. Bigelow, serving continually until
August I, 1903, when he resigned to engage in the private practice of his pro-
fession, which he has since followed in Greater Pittsburg. Here his services
have been a part of the work accomplished in her rapid advancement and sub-
stantial development. When he was first employed by the city he had charge
of the extension of the sewer system, and the first great efiforts along that line
were under his direction. The first sewer in the now populous section of East
Liberty Valley, on Collins avenue, was constructed under his immediate super-
vision, where now there is scarcely an alley on which there is not a public
sewer. The Two Mile Run, or Thirty-third Street Basin main trunk line, was
built under his supervision.
The Pittsburg charter of 1888 made it possible to extend the line of opera-
tion in engineering accomplishments by gathering under one head all the mu-
nicipal engineering divisions. In this Mr. Wakefield's work was no insignificant
part, for many important enterprises were carried to a successful issue through
his efiforts, some of which may be enumerated, as the location of Beechwood
and Grant Boulevards, drives and walks in Highland Park ; location and esti-
mate of supply main from Reservoir No. 2 to downtown district. He also had
charge of the field work in the preparation of plans and estimated cost for the
construction of a filter plant, besides other lines of work in the development
and extension of Pittsburg. During the winter of 1893-94, "the hard times
winter," so well recalled by the poorer class, when they received one dollar a
day subscribed by the citizens of the municipality and augmented one hundred
per cent by Andrew Carnegie for laboring in and beautifying the parks, Mr.
Wakefield was placed in charge of the engineering in Highland Park. He
commenced when all looked unpromising, but took the abandoned reservoir —
now beautiful Lake Carnegie — cleaned it out and put it in its present condition.
This with many more improvements were made by the direction of the sub-
ject.
Mr. Wakefield is a member of the Emery Methodist Episcopal church on
Highland avenue, and is a member of the board of trustees, which built and
dedicated, October 6, 1907, the new church. He belongs to the Masonic fra-
ternity, including Washington lodge No. 253, F. and A. M., in which he has
filled all the chairs : Pittsburg Chapter No. 268 ; Duquesne Commandery No.
72 ; all Pittsburg ]\Iasonic societies. As a member of the Board of Trade he is
212 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
serving on the committee on iMunicipal Affairs. Politically he is a supporter
of the Republican party and takes great interest in all local movements.
He was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Robinson, September 22, 1895,
at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, her home. By this union the issue is as follows:
I. Jessie \''irginia, born May 22, 1897. 2. Paul Vincent, born August 29,
1899. 3. Weslev Simpson, Jr., born February 5, 1901.
The American ancestor of this family of Robinsons was Irwin Robinson,
a native of Enniskillen, county Fermanagh, Ireland. Being an English sub-
ject when the revolution broke out in America, he was drafted into service and
sent to this country to take part in that struggle. He was through the entire
conflict, including the engagement at Yorktown. He carried a Bible in his
pocket, and it was struck by a Yankee bullet, cutting quite a good sized hole in
the book. At another time he was struck by a bullet in the arm, which ball he
carried the remainder of his days. He was present at the surrender of Lord
Cornwallis, captured by Washington, and after peace was declared returned
to England. He soon found he had been fighting on the wrong side, and
although entitled to a pension from the government he refused to accept it and
later became one of the most loyal Americans. He studied medicine for three
years and practiced his profession, especially in surgery.
His love affair was indeed quite full of romance. At twenty-five years of
age he was a manly fellow, five feet nine inches high, hair brown and straight.
He "fell in love" with Catherine Elliott, a beautiful, slender figure. She had
dark brown eyes and wore curls in ringlets. She was but fifteen years of age,
and for this reason only they were forbidden to marry. Several times her
parents locked her up in her bedchamber. The house was a cottage of one
story. At the time of the elopement her parents had kept her fully a month
in her room, her bed being pushed against the wall, which was made of stone ;
but the girl was not to be outwitted, and silently worked her plans to com-
pletion. She finally succeeded in getting a hole through the wall large enough
to let herself out, and on one dark night she crept through the wall (the moon
being invisible) and met her lover and they rode away on horseback and were
married. They became the parents of George and John Robinson. These
three, with the Elliott family, left England for America in 1792. They came in
a sailing vessel and were on the ocean from May to September and encountered
fearful storms. Mrs. Irwin Robinson brought plentv of flax along, thinking,
it is related, that she could not get it in the "woods of America." They finally
located in what is now Blair county, Pennsylvania, and purchased land of a
Mr. Holliday, where now stands the city of Hollidaysburg. The Elliotts set-
tled in the Ligonier Valley, between Fairfield and Ross Furnace. The daugh-
ter's love of both parents caused them to settle in a less productive country
four miles southwest of where Bolivar stands today. Chambersburg v^'as the
nearest place from which to procure supplies. They followed a trail across a
wild country on pack-horses midst numerous tribes of Indians. Land was
cheap — four dollars an acre.
Irwin Robinson was a Methodist but Quaker in habits and language. Mrs.
Robinson's mother's name was Mary Woods. She had been a member of the
Church of England, but became a Methodist, and three of her sons became
^.lethodist ministers. The whole family was zealous in church work. Irwin
Robinson and wife, the founders in this country, had twelve children: George,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 21?
John, Jane, Hance, Irwin, Thomas, Alary, James, WilHam, Elhott, Christopher
and Ehzabeth.
George was born July 5, 1788, died November 3, 1869. He married
Susanna Urinker, born May 23, 1895, and died August 7, 1887. They settled
about four miles from Greensburg on a farm. Methodist services were fre-
quently held at their house. They were parents of children as follows : Wil-
liam, Susanna, Elizabeth, Margaret, Mary, John, Henry, Jacob, Daniel and
James. The three latter always resided at Greensburg.
(Hj William Robinson, of the above family, became the father of Mrs.
Walsh of this sketch. He was born in Hempfield township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, Alarch 19, 1818, and died May 31, 1884. He was a
merchant, owning a store in Greensburg for many years. He was possessed of
much intelligence and was a devout Christian and a prominent member in the
Methodist Episcopal church. For many years he served as class-leader. Politi-
cally he was an ardent supporter of the Republican party and was an active
member of the Masonic fraternity. He married Maria Margaret Kemp, daugh-
ter of Solomon and JNIary Magdalena (Wentling) Kemp, March 3, 1847. She
was born Xovember 24, 1825. Her father's family were natives of Germany.
Their children were as follows: Emma, Homer C, Mary S., Anna M., Wil-
liam, Lydia B., George F., Joseph Kemp and Jessie, wife of Mr. Walsh, of
Pittsburg.
REAMER FAMILY. This old Pennsylvania family, now represented in
Pittsburg by Dr. Harry Black Reamer, a leading dentist of that city, is of
German origin, the founder having emigrated from the Fatherland about 1790
and presumably settled in Greene county, Pennsylvania. The succeeding gen-
erations are traced below.
(I) Jacob Reamer, the first ancestor of whom we have any authentic
record, was a farmer in Monongahela township. He was of German descent,
retaining the'German form of the family name, and it was his father who was
the founder of this branch of the family in America, according to a well-founded
tradition. Jacob Reamer married and became the father of a number of chil-
dren. He w'as among the early settlers in Greene county, Pennsylvania.
(II) Benjamin F. Reamer, son of Jacob Reamer (I), was a farmer and
also an itinerant merchant, traveling with his wagon through the different por-
tions of Pennsylvania. During the Civil war he served in Company F, Sev-
enth Regiment, West Virginia \'olunteer Infantry, Captain Benjamin Morris
and Colonel Thompson commanding. After two years of valiant service his
regiment was consolidated into four companies by requisition of the War de-
partment, the officers having been mustered out and -the privates formed into a
battalion commanded by Lieutenant J. H. Lockwood. Benjamin Reamer served
until the war ended and was honorably discharged. His son Jacob, Jr., served
in the same company w-ith his father and died in the service. Benjamin Reamer
married for his first wife Marion Minor, daughter of Noah Minor and wife,
whose maiden name was Minks. The Minor family was also among the
pioneer settlers in Greene countr, Pennsylvania. Their children were : Jacob,
who served during the Civil war in the same company as his father ; John ;
Minor Noah, of whom later ; Louisa, and another daughter. Benjamin F.
Reamer was about seventy at the time of his death, which occurred soon after
his return from the war.
214 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(III) Minor Noah Reamer, son of Benjamin F. (II) and Marion
(Minor) Reamer, was born 1846 in Monongahela townsliip, Greene county,
and grew up on a farm, receiving his education in the local schools. In Oc-
tober, 1861, being then but fifteen years old, he enlisted at Greensboro, Greene
county, Pennsylvania, in Company G, Eighth-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, Captain Abrams and Colonel Joshua B. Howell command-
ing, and served two years and two months, being discharged May 9, 1863, at
Hilton Head, South Carolina, by reason of physical disability. After his return
home he studied dentistry with Dr. Kramer, subsequently establishing himself
in business at Mount Morris, Greene county, where he prospered in his pro-
fession and which he practiced during the remainder of his life, building up a
reputation second to none. He owned his residence and was also the possessor
of other town lots. He served on the borough council and on the school board
and in politics was a Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church.
Minor Noah Reamer married Fannie, daughter of John Gabler Black,
whose grandfather, Jacob Black, came from Virginia and settled in Greene
county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming, owning two hundred
acres on Whitley creek. He was a prominent justice of the peace, and died at
an advanced age. His wife was Margaret Brienschofif, and they were the
parents of twelve children.
Benjamin F. Black, son of Jacob and Margaret (Brienschoff) Black, was
born in 1795, and was the owiier of two farms, comprising four hundred and
seventy-five and one hundred and forty acres, respectively, also eighteen hun-
dred acres in West Virginia. He was extensively engaged in cattle dealing
and was interested in the manufacture of glass. He took a prominent part in
the councils of the Whig party and represented his county in the house of rep-
resentatives. He was actively interested in the public school movement, and
for more than twenty-five years held the office of justice of the peace. Benja-
min F. Black married Sophia, born about 1803, in Baltimore, Maryland, daugh-
ter of John C. and Margaret (Kramer) Gabler. Mr. Gabler came to this coun-
try from Germany about 1790, and became one of the original glass manufac-
turers of New Geneva, Pennsylvania. The following children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Black: Folorest ; James A.; Margaret; Sophia; John Gabler, of
whom later ; Francis K. ; Josephine B. ; Charles A., and Mary. Mr. Black, the
father, died in 1843, and was survived twenty years by his widovi^ who passed
away about 1863.
John Gabler Black, son of Benjamin F. and Sophia (Gabler) Black, was
born May 25, 1827, received a common school education, and after leaving
school served for a time as clerk in the glass factory of Hall & Boughm. He
afterward conducted a general store at Greensboro for ten years, and then
served another ten years as traveling salesman for Hamilton & Company,
stoneware manufacturers. His next venture was boating on the Monongahela
river, and in 1890 he retired, having since been a resident of Greensboro. For
ten years he served as burgess of Greensboro, and he has also held various
minor offices. He belongs to Craft Lodge No. 329, F. and A. M., and has
served as secretary of that body. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Black married, in 1848, Rebecca A., born in 1827, daughter of
^\ illiam Bowers, and they became the parents of two children: Fannie, wife of
PITTSBURG JXD HER PEOPLE 215
Minor Noah Reamer, and John C, a dentist of Greensboro. Mrs. Black died
in 1873.
Elinor Xoah and Fannie (Black) Reamer have been the parents of the
following children : One who died in infancy ; Nellie E., wife of Dr. J. S. Ash-
brook ; Harry Black, of whom later, and Emma D., wife of Robert B. Murray,
one son, Harry Reamer. The death of Dr. Reamer, the father, occurred Febru-
ary 5, 1895, and his widow has since resided with her daughter, Mrs. Ash-
brook.
(IV) Harry Black Reamer, son of Minor Noah (HI) and Fannie
(Black) Reamer, was born June 15, 1874, at Greensboro, and attended the
common schools of Mount Morris. While still a boy he began the study of
dentistry under the instruction of his father, whose assistant he became at a
very early age, displaying a natural aptitude for the profession and remaining
with his father until the connection was dissolved by death. In 1895-1896
he attended the Pennsylvania Denjal College, Philadelphia, and then came to
Pittsburg, completing his course in the Pittsburg Dental College and receiving
from that institution the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In the spring
of 1898 he established himself in the office which had been his father's, at
Mount Morris, remaining until 1901. In that year he came to Pittsburg and
opened an office in the Vilsack building, where he has since been in the enjoy-
ment of a very large practice.
On September 10, 1900, he was made a Mason in Waynesburg Lodge No.
153, F. and A. M. In the sphere of politics he affiliates with the Republicans.
He is a member of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Reamer married, October 17, 1906. Carolyn Priscilla, daughter of
Newton Taylor, granddaughter of Edward Taylor and great-granddaughter of
Jonathan Taylor, who was among the early settlers of Crawford count}-, Penn-
sylvania, where he owned a farm of two hundred acres about nine miles south-
west of Meadville. During the war of 1812 he served in the volunteer army,
and was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Jonathan Taylor was twice married, the issue of his first marriage being as
follows : Sarah ; Rebecca ; Polly, and Edward, of whom later. After the death
of the mother of these children, he married again, becoming by this union the
father of eight children. He died about 1843 ''■^ the advanced age of ninety-
one.
Edward Taylor, son of Jonathan Taylor, was born in 1801, and was a
farmer, owning a farm of ninety acres in Crawford county. He served as
school director and in politics was an old-line Whig. He was a member of the
Free- Will Baptist church, and helped to build an edifice for this denomination.
Edward Taylor married Nancy Newton, born in 1812', and their children were:
Abigail: Polly; Phoebe; Newton, of whom later; John: Rebecca: Amos; John:
Ehzabeth : Henry H., and one who died young. Edward Taylor, the father,
died in October, 1848, and his widow married Reuben Trace, by whom she had
three children : Rillie, Julia and Jacob. After the death of the father of these
children Mrs. Trace was a third time married, there being no issue of this mar-
riage. She died in June, 1906.
Newton Taylor, son of Edward and Nancy (Newton) Taylor, was bom
July 9, 1833, in Crawford county, and received a limited education in the com-
mon schools, being obliged at the early age of ten years to leave home and
seek employment in the lumber woods on the Clarion river, afterward working
2i6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
on different tracts and in various sawmills. Later he engaged in lumbering for
himself, and carried on an extensive business in Clarion, Jefferson and Elk
counties. He is at the present time (1907) lumbering on a tract of sixteen
hundred and forty-four acres in Elk county, which he purchased seventeen
years ago. For a number of years he conducted a planing mill at Corsica,
Jefferson county, and was at different times the owner of several farms. Since
1891 he has been a resident of Pittsburg. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and contributed to the building of several church edifices.
In 1863, when the state was threatened with invasion by the Confederate anny,
Mr. Taylor was among those who volunteered for its protection and served six
weeks.
He married, March 4, 1857, Sarah, born October 28, 1839, in Jefferson
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of David L. Moor, and they became the parents
of the following children: Edward, of Pittsburg; Rose M., wife of Elmer
Sloan, of Allegheny ; Harry, of Monaco, Pennsylvania ; David L., of Brookville,
Pennsylvania; William, deceased; Charles, also deceased; Julia W., wife of
Archie Rowand ; Carolyn Priscilla, wife of Harry Black Reamer; Belle, wife
of James Garfield Armstrong, and Elizabeth, died young.
JOHN P. WALKER, who has been a resident of Pittsburg for a half
century, living on the South Side, at No. 2105 Sarah street, was born in Alsace.
Lorraine, France, September 28, 1837, a son of Francis and Mary (Gerard)
Walker. Mr. Walker's father was a native of the same place in which he was
born, and was the son of Anton Walker. The family all followed agricultural
pursuits. In 1842 the family came to America, landing in New York city, go-
ing from thence by canal to Buft'alo, where they landed July 4, 1842. In the
father's family were five brothers and three sisters. The father, Francis
Walker, purchased a farm eighteen miles from the city of Buffalo, in Erie
county, where he remained until i860. At that date he rented his farm and
came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where four of his sons had preceded him.
He made his home on West Carson street, where the Pittsburg & Lake Erie
Railway station now stands, and there died January 29, 1872, at the age of
seventy-six years and ten months. His wife survived until 1896, and died
May 3 of that year, eighty-three years of age. Francis Walker was a Demo-
crat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Roman Catholic
church and were exemplary Christians. The issue of this worthy couple was :
r. Catherine, who married Joseph Zook. and died in Pittsburg, on Twenty-
eighth street. 2. Matthew (deceased), married Regina Gundy. 3. Mary,
married Jacob Debolt, and he is now deceased and she resides at New Kensing-
ton, Pennsylvania. 4. Lawrence, who died in Pittsburg, married Ellen Beard-
man. 5. John P., the subject. 6. George, deceased, married, in West Home-
stead, Mrs. Margaret Fix. 7. Margaret, now Mrs. B. Ranch, of Pittsburg.
8. Frank, residing in Streator, Illinois.
John P. Walker was but five years of age when the family emigrated to
the United States. He was sent to school to a small log school house near his
father's farm, and the teachers, as was the usual custom in those early days,
boarded around from one farm home to another. He obtained his education
at this class of schools and at the parochial schools in Buffalo, attending about
four months each vear. After he reached his fifteenth vear he never had
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 217
school advantages. In 1848, during the revolution in Germany, there was a
great influx of emigration from Germany to the little settlement where his
parents had located. He followed farm labor until he was seventeen, and then
went to Durhamville, Oneida county. New York, where he found employment
in a glass factory for a year, and in 1855 he went to Wheeling, West Virginia,
and there learned the art of a window glass blower. In 1857 he came to Pitts-
burg, arriving about August i, 1857. He obtained employment in the glass
factory of Mr. McCullough, whose works were located where the Mount Wash-
ington incline is now. During the panic which swept the whole countrv in
Buchanan's presidential administration, commencing with 1857, Mr. Walker
and his brother Lawrence returned to their home in New York state, where
they occupied their time at cutting cordwood and hauling it and selling it to the
New York & Erie Railroad Company. In the autumn of 1858 he returned to
Pittsburg and resumed his work in the glass factory. The following year his
right hand was severely cut, after which he was forced to abandon die trade
of glass blowing and went back to the farm in New York state, where he was
forced into idleness for several months. At the suggestion of his brother he
returned to Pittsburg and again resumed work at glass blowing. After school-
ing himself to it for a time he regained the use of his injured hand and could
do as good work as before he met with the accident. He remained with the
McCullough factory until 1861, when the opening of the Civil war caused the
plant to close down, when he was thrown out of employment again. He with
his brother went to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and found work in the har-
vest field, and after two months returned to Pittsburg and broke stone on West
Carson street for one dollar a day, being only too glad of the opportunity of
earning an honest livelihood. He soon secured a position as weigher in the
Woods roller mill at Saw Mill Run, where he received the same wages. In
the winter of 1862 he worked in the glass factory of McKee and Company, by
which he was enabled to earn sufficient means to put in a new front into the
building he had previously purchased on Carson street, just above the Pan-
handle depot. He then fitted up his place as a saloon, obtained his license and
left it in charge of his father and sister, while he worked in the glass factory a
short time, including a part of 1864. In that house he was united in marriage,
November 11, 1862, to Aliss Paulina Schlernitzauer. In 1865 Mr. W^alker went
to work in the Chambers glass house on Sixth street. South Side, and remained
there one year, at which time he with fourteen other glass blowers established
a glass factory of their own at the corner of Jane and Twenty-second streets.
This firm took the name of Melling, Estep and Company. In 1871 the firm
was reorganized and then took the name of Stewart, Estep & Company. Mr.
Walker remained connected with the business until 1873, when he sold his
interest and erected some residences on vacant lots which he owned on Twenty-
sixth street. In 1874 he engaged in the grocery business at his present home,
to which he moved in 1866. At first it was an old frame building, which in
time was superseded by a modern brick building. Here Mr. Walker conducted
a store in a successful manner until 1903: also had a branch at 115 Carson
street, which he finally sold to his son. When the new town of Clareton was
started he erected a store building there and conducted a store until the spring
of 1907. %\hen he sold to the Crucible Steel Company. He has been an exten-
sive builder, and among other structures he in 1890 bought the lot next to the
Panhandle depot and with his sister, Mrs. Ranch, erected the first five-story
2i8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
building which was ever buih on the South Side. He was a director in the
German Savings Bank, corner Carson and Fourteenth streets, for twelve years,
and also organized the Sarah Building and Loan Association and served as its
president. He was one of the founders of St. Peter's Catholic church and
served as its trustee for twenty years; also organized St. Peter's Society and
was its president a number of years. As far back as the late sixties and early
seventies Mr. Walker was a popular young man in the Twenty-fifth ward,
and was against his will a candidate for city councilman. He assured the
citizens that he would not spend money to be elected, as he had other business
of more importance to attend to. He refused to furnish money to purchase
beer for the voters in his ward, and hence was defeated by a few votes.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker are as follows: i. Frank F.,
born September 22, 1863, was educated at the public schools and attended the
Western University of Pennsylvania and Dufif's Business College. He is now
a resident of the Twenty-fifth ward. 2. Victoria, still at home. 3. John N.,
of Pittsburg. 4. Mary, Mrs. Thomas McCune, of Pittsburg. 5. Albert Ed-
ward, deceased. 6. Theodore, a merchant at Clareton, Pennsylvania. 7. Leo,
who is in partnership with his brother Theodore. He married Annie Stinor,
nee Ruffing.
FRANCIS E. McGILLICK, owner of one of the largest lumber and con-
tracting firms of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has risen to his present position in
the business world by reason of force of character united to energy, perse-
verance and enterprise. He is one of the first generation of the McGillick fam-
ily to have been born in the United States, and traces his ancestry back to Ire-
land.
Peter McGillick, father of Francis E. McGillick, was born in county
Meath, Ireland, in 1814, and died in this country in 1894. He was about
twelve years of age when he came to this country and was a man of industry
and respected by all who knew him. In Blairsville, Pennsylvania, by the ven-
erable Rev. Michael Stillinger, he was married to Bridget Nolan, of county
Wicklow, Ireland, and who is still living, aged eighty years. They had eight
children, three of whom are living: Elizabeth, born February 11, 1862; Francis
E., the subject of this sketch; Thomas J., born May 19, 1871. Mary, Julia,
James, Peter and Sarah all died before their seventh year.
Francis E. McGillick, second child and eldest living son of Peter and
Bridget (Nolan) McGillick, was born in Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsyl-
vania, February 10, 1864. His education was received in the parochial schools,
and after working several years at anything and everything he could get to do
he was then apprenticed to the carpenter's trade. This he followed successfully
for a number of years, and in 1885 established himself in the contracting busi-
ness in Blairsville. In this his enterprise and reliability brought him such pros-
perity that he decided to remove to Pittsburg and continue his business on a
larger scale than he had hitherto done. He accordingly located in Pittsburg in
1896, where he is now extensively engaged in the lumber and contract-
ing business, as previously stated. He is an extensive real estate owner. He
has always taken an earnest interest in public affairs, and was for three years
a member of the common council of Blairsville.
Mr. McGillick in September, 1891, by the Rev. E. ^I. McKeever, of Pitts-
burg, was married to Margaret A. Botzem, a daughter of Lewis Botzem, of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 219
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of Francis E., Jr., born in
October, 1892; Charles A., born in September, 1894; Lewis J., born in October,
1897; Marie Elizabeth, born in April, 1900; and Thomas J., born in May, 1903,
died in November of the same year. He is a charter member of Pittsburg
Council No. 375, Knights of Columbus, and is a member of the Sacred Heart
congregation on Centre avenue.
PERRY ELLSWORTH OLIVER, for the past twenty years in the em-
ploy of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and now filling the responsible
position of conductor in the passenger service, is a representative of the third
generation of his family in the United States, they having come from Scot-
land.
Thomas Oliver, grandfather of Perry Ellsworth Oliver, was born in Scot-
land in 1786, near Newcastle-on-tKe-Tyne, and was the pioneer ancestor of the
Oliver family in this country. He made the voyage in a sailing vessel in com-
pany with his two brothers, who settled in Saginaw, Michigan, and there en-
gaged in the lumber trade, with which their descendants are still identified in
tliat section of the country. Thomas Oliver settled at Rainsburg, Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, and there followed the profession of a veterinary surgeon.
He amassed considerable wealth and was considered one of the most in-
fluential men of the county in his day. He was the owner of a comfortable
residence in Rainsburg,_ and of a farm in the Cumberland vallev. He took
a prominent part in local and state politics, giving his support to the Demo-
cratic part}-. He lived to the advanced age of one hundred and three years,
his death occurring in February, 1889. He married Fannie McCullough, and
they had children: i. Patterson, married Susan Wertz : had children: Benja-
min ; ATorgan ; George ; Owen : Hosea ; Annie, married Levi Hardinger ; Ida
and Elizabeth. 2. Nathaniel W., see forward. 3. James, a soldier in active
service during the Civil war, was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain,
Georgia. He married Mollie Gross and had children : Sadie and Dr. George,
a physician of Boston, Massachusetts. 4. John, married and had chil-
dren : Harry and Frank, both deceased, the former an attorney. 5. Ellen, mar-
ried Dr. Hosea Hudson, of Nebraska, a surgeon in the Civil war, and since
that time a prominent physician in private practice. Their children were :
Josephine ; Frances ; Ada ; Ruth, deceased ; Emma : Florence ; Grace and Laura,
both deceased. 6. Jane, deceased, married John Wertz, and had children :
Calvin, Oliver, John, William and Jennie. 7. Rebecca, married William Mor-
gret, and had children : Oliver, Fannie and Newton.
Nathaniel W. Oliver, second son and child of Thomas and Fannie Mc-
Cullough, was born in Morrison's Cove in 1823. He followed the occupation
of farming throughout his life and was the owner of a farm of one hundred
and thirty-six acres in Colerain township, near Rainsburg. Bedford county,
Pennsylvania. He was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and a
member of the IMethodist Protestant church, in whose interests he was an active
worker until his death, which occurred m 1880. He married (first) Mary
Owens, and had children: i. William R., residing near Bedford, married
Josephine Gump, deceased, and had children : George R. and Clara. 2. James
P., deceased. I\Ir. Oliver married (second) Amy A. Cooper, born in Brush
Creek \'alley, Fulton county, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1847, daughter of Nicholas
220 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
and Rachel (Barton) Cooper, the former, who was a son of Joseph Cooper,
was born May lo, 1791, and fougrht in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. OHver
had children': i. Effie. married Alick Kammorling; had children: Grace,
Arthur E.. Perry G. and Ralph L. 2. Perry Ellsworth, see forward. 3. Mary
R., tmmarried. 4. Laura J., deceased. 5. Ellen F., a telegraph operator in the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 6. Bertha A., engaged in the
same occupation. 7. Flora E., a stenographer in the employ of the Blaine
Coal Company. 8. Laura G., married (first) Ralph Beckley ; has children:
Norman and Hazel; married (second) George Rush.
Perry Ellsworth Oliver, second child and eldest son of Nathaniel and Amy
A. (Cooper) Oliver, was born in Rainsburg, Bedford county, Pennsylvania,
November 8, 1866. His early years were spent in his native town, attending
the local schools until he was twelve years of age, when, upon the death of his
father, he went to Altoona and found employment with his uncle William,
with whom he remained for about four years. The next four years he had
charge of an engine for the American Steam Laundry Company in that city.
He then held the position of clerk in the Bee Hive Novelty store, and soon
after attaining his majority, December 20, 1887, entered the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a brakeman in the passenger service. Dur-
ing the next nine years he held in succession the following positions : Brake-
man, baggage master, flagman, and April 10, 1896, was advanced to the posi-
tion of conductor in the passenger service, a position he is filling at the present
time. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is a
member of the First Presbyterian church of Wilkinsburg. He is also a mem-
ber of the following organizations : Order of Railway Conductors ; Old Reliable
Order of Railway Conductors of the LTnited States and Canada ; Franklin
Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons; Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, of Wilkinsburg; Wilkinsburg Council No. 760, Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Oliver married, July 28, 1892, Bessie D. McConnell, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. They reside at 1241 Franklin avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pennsyl-
vania.
ANTES SNYDER. Anthony Snyder, the great-grandfather of Antes
Snyder, now of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was born in the town of Plaginy,
Germany, in November, 1725, where he was reared in the Lutheran religious
faith. He emigrated to America in 1744. In 1750 he married the widow
Kremer, who died April 25, 1776. He died in 1774. Upon reaching this coun-
try he settled at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The children of the founder of the
family in America were as follows: i. Peter. 2. Rosana. 3. John, born No-
vember 15, 1755. 4. Simon, born November 15, 1756, in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania. 5. Catherine, born October 12, 1758, married John Graft and
had two sons, Frederick and Simon.
(II) Simon Snyder, who became governor, was the second son and
third child of Anthony Snyder (I), the founder. He was educated at Lancas-
ter, and when seventeen years of age was apprenticed ,to learn the tanner's
trade in York, Pennsylvania, where he soon became very skilful and was known
far and near as an excellent workman in the tanning of leather. In 1784 he
removed to Selin Grove, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In
1798 he was elected as a member of the constitutional convention to frame the
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 221
state constitution of Pennsylvania. So generally were his opinions respected
that there was seldom an appeal from his decisions. In 1787 he was elected to
a seat in the state legislature and in 1802 was made speaker of the house, being
chosen each time until 1805, when he was'a candidate for governor; but, de-
feated, he was again elected to the legislature. In 1808 he was again a candi-
date for governor and was elected, serving three terms. He died at Selin's
Grove, November 9, 1819, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery of that
place, with but a simple marble slab to mark his resting place until 1885, when
the state erected over his grave a monument more in keeping with the man.
He married Catherine Michaels October 26, 1786, and two children .were born
of this union: Amelia, born June 21, 1791, and John, born August 9, 1793,
served in the state senate several terms. For his second wife he married
Catherine Antes, daughter of Colonel Philip Antes; she died March 15, 1810,
and five children were born of this union: i. Henry W., born July 20, 1797.
2. George A., born ^larch 4, 1799. 3. Philip F., born January 3, 1801. 4.
Antes, born January 23, 1803, died in 1803. 5. Antes, born January 12, 1805.
For his third wife Governor Snyder married Mary A. Scott, born November
5, 1785 ; they were married October 16, 1814.
(III) George Antes Snyder, second son of Governor Snyder, was born
March 4, 1799, he being a son of the Governor by his second wife. He became
a prominent attomey-at-law in what was then known as Union county but
now Snyder county, at New Berlin, where he continued to practice law until
his death, February 23, 1866. In his church faith he was a Unitarian; in poli-
tics a Whig. He married Anna Duncan, daughter of Stephen and Harriet
(Elliott) Duncan. Their children were: i. Harriet. 2. Catherine. 3. Lucy.
4. Henry F. 5. George S. 6. Ellen. 7. James, died in infancy. 8. Antes.
9. Jessie D.
(IV) Antes Snyder, grandson of Governor Snyder and son of George
Antes Snyder (III) was born at Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania, December 9,
1836. He was educated at Pottstown Academy, Lancaster countv, Pennsyl-
vania, and entered the employ of the Reading Railroad under his uncle. Antes
Snyder, a civil engineer. He remained with the railroad company until 1862,
and was then employed on the Cape May Railroad, also on the Camden & Am-
boy road as chief civil engineer. In 1863 he moved to Blairsville, and there
surveyed the West Penn Railroad from Blairsville to Alleghenv City, which
line was completed in 1866. Since that date he has been employed in the
real estate department of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as an engineer
and surveyor. He is a member of the Episcopal church. In political matters
]\Ir. Snyder is a Republican.
He married Emma F. Evans, daughter of Robert and Fanny (Hiestand)
Evans, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Six children blessed this union :
Fannie, Ella, Henry, Antes, Robert, Emma.
^Ir. Snyder's maternal great-grandfather. Colonel Antes, cast the first
cannon on this side of the Atlantic ocean in 1764, and this was the cause of
Lord Howe placing a price on his head. He had previously been a justice of
the peace, or controller, under King George of England.
CARMAN G. PAL^L. one of the enterprising and highly successful real
estate operators of Greater Pittsburg, was born in 1857 at Cambridge, Massa-
222
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
chusetts, where he received his education. His father's father was Scotch.
His grandmother's family name was Burt, his mother's family name was
Wheaton.
Carman G. Paul, when aged nineteen years, became a traveling salesman,
continuing until 1886, when he went to Detroit, Michigan, and there engaged
in the real estate business and remained there thus employed until 1901. He
was successful in his business ventures at that point, and during the }-ear last
named he came to Pittsburg and engaged in the real estate business, making
business blocks and manufacturing plants a specialty. He owns other valuable
pieces of Pittsburg property, in all of which he made good investments.
Mr. Paul was made a Mason in Pittsburg and now belongs to Crescent
Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Shiloh Chapter and Tancred Commandery, No. 48.
He was united in marriage, in Detroit, Michigan, in 1887, to Miss Estelle
Knox, of Rome, New York, the daughter of John R. Knox, of Maine.
Politically Mr. Paul affiliates with the Republican part)-, and in religious
faith he is a Protestant Episcopal.
THOMAS SCANDRETT GRUBBS, secretary and auditor of The
Westinghouse Machine Company, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
February 27, 1873. His paternal grandparents, Adam and Rebecca (Young)-
Grubbs, were both descendants of early settlers in Butler country, Penn-
sylvania. Their children were: i. Barton. 2. Walter, who died in childhood.
Barton Grubbs was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, August 28, 1850. He
married Adaline A. Scandrett, February 27, 1872. He conducted a merchant
tailoring business in Pittsburg for a number of years, thereafter becoming
director of the Department of Charities in Allegheny City, which position he
held for thirteen years, until 1903. Now retired. The maternal grand-
parents were Thomas Scandrett, born in Ireland in 1818, a prominent
Pittsburg merchant for thirty years, to 1878, and Sarah (Kimes) Scandrett,
born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1824. Their children were: i. Henry Alexan-
der, born in 1843. 2. Alfred Kimes, born in 1845. 3. Adaline Augusta, born in
1847. 4. Elizabeth Ann, born in 1850. 5. Thomas, born in 1853, and 6.
Sarah Ann, born in 1856.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton Grubbs were: i. Thomas
Scandrett, born in 1873. 2. Alfred Kimes, born in 1875. He married Harriet
James Glenn in 1904, to whom were born on December i, 1905, a son, James
Parmlee.
Thomas S. Grubbs was married July 22, 1896, to Caroline Foster Gas-
away, born July 22, 1874, at Steubenville. Ohio, a daughter of John R. and
Mary (Filson) Gasaway. The Filsons are descendants of the original family
of that name which settled late in the eighteenth century in the vicinity of
Steubenville, Ohio, one of the members being the schoolmaster, John Filson,
who gave to Cincinnati its original name of Losanteville. The present-day
I'llsons arc descended from John Quincy Adams.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Grubbs are: i. Mary
Filson, born January 31, 1904, and 2. Barton, born September 24, 1906. Mr.
Grubbs has been since 1900 a resident of Edgewood, a suburb of Pittsburg,
seven miles east on the main line of the Pennsvlvania Railroad.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 223
JAMES McKEE. The late James AIcKee, of Pittsburg, so well known
to many as the expert watch-maker and jeweler, was born in county Down,
Ireland, in 1852, and died September 24, 1901, at Pittsburg. He came to
America when aged but six weeks, with his parents, George and Ella (Fergu-
son) McKee. For many years the father was employed by the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, but in advanced life was able to retire from active service,
having accumulated a competency by industrious, frugal habits. The subject
of this memoir, James McKee, was the only child in his parents' family who
lived to maturity. He obtained his education in the schools of the Third ward
of the city and Shadyside district. After his school days he learned the watch-
maker's trade, and was engaged at that and the jewelry business on his own
account on Fifth avenue, near Market street. Subsequently he gave up his
business and followed his trade exclusively until his death. He was married
in Pittsburg in 1875 to Margaret D. McCallin, daughter of James and Sophia
(Findly) McCallin. Sophia McCallin was the daughter of William and Sophia
(\'ance) Findley.
James McCallin was born in county Armagh, Ireland, and his wife was a
native of Alonaghan county, which adjoined the county in which he was born.
In 1837 they came to America and settled for one year in New York, then
resided at various places until 1845, when they came to Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, arriving on the day of the big fire (April 10), At first they stopped in
Allegheny City, and later removed to Pittsburg. For the day in which he
lived he was a man of means and purchased lands of the Dennys on the Hill.
He never engaged in any commercial pursuits. The children born to him
were nine in number, but the surviving are only three, as follows : Sophia,
Mary Jane and Margaret D. One son, named William, deceased, was at one
time the mayor of the city of Pittsburg and prominent in official duties. He
^larried ^Marion F. Marshall, daughter of John Marshall, who had a foundry
on Diamond alley. They had one child, Sophia.
Concerning the surviving children of James and Sophia (Findly)
McCallin, it may be added that: Sophia married the late Thomas B. Riter,
whose issue was a son, Joseph ; Mary Jane McCallin and Margaret D.,
who married James McKee. subject of this sketch, by whom three children
were born, Marian M., Ella F. and William J.
DAVID R. McINTIRE, deceased, who was president of the Metropol-
itan National Bank of Lawrenceville many years and of the grocery firm of
Mclntire & Brand, doing business on Butler street, Pittsburg, was born in
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1842, a son of James and Mary (Boyle) Mclntire.
whose family sketch and ancestry appears elsewhere in this work. He died
May 20, 1893. He was born in the old log cabin on the Mclntire homestead,
the youngest of twelve children, nine being sons. He was of the firm of
Mclntire & Brand, grocers, and the last ten years of his life was of the firm of
Nillis, Mclntire & Company, located on the corner of Allegheny and Rebecca
streets. From early youth he was a member of the United Presbyterian church
and in later life was a member of the First United Presbyterian church. On
June 2j, 1876, he was united in marriage to Letitia D. Brown, daughter of
Thomas and Nancy (Dick) Brown. The father was born in Ireland and died
in Pittsburg in April, 1893. aged seventy-nine years. The mother was a
r
224 ^ CENTURY AND A HALF OF
native of Allegheny City, born in 1813, and died in December, 1893, aged
eighty years.
Mrs. Mclntire's father, Thomas Brown, came to America at the age of
eight years with his mother, his father having died in Ireland. He learned
the tin and coppersmith's trade, and during the Civil war made tin cans for
the Union army. He was located between Sixth and Seventh streets, where
he conducted a business under his own name later, but at first was of the firm
of Brown & Mills. After the war he manufactured all kinds of tin and copper
goods, such as kettles, etc., and w-as highly successful at his trade, retiring
from active labors at the age of about fifty years. He was a self-made man of
high character, his word being his only required bond. He was the second
president of the City Deposit Bank of East Liberty, and held the position
until death. He was a member of the Sixth United Presbyterian church,
having united under Rev. Henry McFarland in early childhood. He was the
father of five children who grew to maturity, four of whom still survive: i.
Eliza Jane, who married James Graham. 2. Mary Ann, wife of David Blair,
whose sketch appears elsewhere. 3. Walter Thompson, married Sarah Eliza-
beth Barron, and they reside now in Boulder, Colorado. 4. Letitia D., wife
of David R. Mclntire, of this memoir.
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Mclntire were the parents of six children, four
now living. One died young and one died at the age of twenty-three years,
named William B. He was a most exemplary 3'oung man and highly esteemed.
At the date of his death he was clerk in the City Deposit Bank. He was a
graduate of the Westminster College, of Philadelphia, and was unmarried.
The living children are: i. David Blair Mclntire, M. D., a graduate of the
Westminster College, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the class of 1905, and
at this date (1907) is taking a post-graduate course in Berlin. Germany. 2.
Mary Mclntire. 3. Thomas Brown Mclntire, a student at Cornell University.
4. George Walter Mclntire. The surviving children reside in Pittsburg.
Mrs. Mclntire, the mother, is much interested in charitable work and has
been all her active life. She is a consistent member of Rev. William J. Reid's
Fifth Avenue United Presbyterian church, and is actively engaged in the
duties of that body. She is a member of the board of United Presbyterian
C)rphans' Home and Infirmary, being a member of the board and purchasing
agent ; also a member of various missionary societies. She is a devoted worker
in all these societies, doing this both as a sense of duty and pleasure.
CHARLES HENRY ZUG, who is at the head of the Zug Iron and
Steel Company, located at Thirteenth and Etna streets, Pittsburg, was born at
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1832, the son of Christopher and Eliza (Bair) Zug.
The parents were both natives of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came
to Pittsburg in 1835. Christopher Zug was descended from a sturdy German
family which came to America in the early part of the Eighteenth century and
settled in eastern Pennsylvania. Christopher and wife had five children, the
subject of this notice, Charles Henry Zug, being the only son. The two
daughters who now survive are: i. Margaret, wife of James H. Parker, of
Chicago, Illinois, and they are the parents of one child, Emma, who married
Thomas S. Blair, Jr. 2. Eliza, who married T. C. Clarkson (now deceased),
of Pittsburg; they were the parents of Mrs. Frank N. Scwartz, who had
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 225,
children : Ernest and Clarkson ; and ]\Ir.s. Carroll P. Davis. The deceased
daughters of Christopher Zug are : 3. Alary, who married Harvey Childs,
Jr., and had children : Jeannette, who married J. Ramsey Speer, had James H.,
who married Alice Walton ; Gertrude, who married Charles Foster. 4. Anna
Zug (deceased), married Edward A. Burdett.
The father, Christopher Zug, was an iron manufacturer, and was interested
in the Pittsburg mills and later formed the firm of Graft", Lindsay & Company,
which in 1844 was succeeded by Zug, Lindsay & Company, and by Zug &
Painter in 1854, which was continued some years and then dissolved, after
which Mr. Zug formed the firm of Zug & Company, which in igo6 was suc-
ceeded by the Zug Iron & Steel Company, as it now exists. He thus operated
for forty years, and up to the time of his death.
Charles H. Zug, the subject, was educated in Pittsburg and at Browne
L'niversity, in Providence, Rhode Island. After coming to man's estate he
entered the iron business with his father and is still engaged in this industry,
having succeeded his father's interest at his death. He was united in marriage
October 12, 1864, to Sarah, the daughter of George Breed and wife (see
sketch of Henry A. Breed), by which union were born the following children:
I. Leila, widow of Lindsay King, who has one son, John King. 2. George
B., who is an art critic and lecturer at the LTniversity of Chicago, and who
married Clara Stearns, of Cleveland, Ohio. 3. Charles G., who is associated
with his father as a member of the Zug Iron & Steel Company, and married
Willa H. Forsyth. 4. Rhoda Edwards, who married W. M. Wherry, Jr., of
New York City, and whose child is Margaretta Edwards. 5. Emma Zug.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Zug are members of the First Presbyterian
* church of Pittsburg. They reside on the old homestead which belonged to
Mrs. Zug's father, George Breed, and where she has lived for sixty-five years,
or since 1842. It is among the beautiful 'sites on Fifth avenue.
THOMAS BARNES. The late Thomas Barnes, the well-known fire-
proof safe maker of Pittsburg, was bom in the city of Dublin, Ireland, Decem-
ber 18, 1818, and died in 1894, aged seventy-six years. He came to America
at the age of eighteen years with his mother, sisters and one brother, his
father having died previously, and was at the date of his death a teller in the
Bank of Ireland. After coming to this country the subject, with his mother,
brother and sisters, was baptized in the Catholic religion. He learned the safe-
making trade in Pittsburg, and soon began the manufacture of such articles
on his own account. He began on Fifth avenue and later established himself
on Third avenue, where the plant is still operated. At first he was connected
in business with his brother-in-law, Edward Burke, under the firm of Burke &
Barnes. Later Mr. Barnes purchased his partner's interest and continued the
business as the Barnes Safe & Lock Company until his death. He began in a
small way to produce this line of useful goods, but before he died had built
up a large and profitable business. He forged his own way to the front rank
of safe manufacturers and was known by his superior goods from ocean to
ocean. The business thus established is continued by his daughter, Mrs.
Francis (Barnes) Newell, in company with her two sons, Thomas Barnes
Newell and John A. Newell.
Mr. Barnes, when his sons attained manhood, took in William J. and
226 . A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
George Barnes as partners in his business, but George died soon thereafter
and Wilham J., not seeming to care for the business, withdrew, and later Mr.
Barnes took in his son-in-law, John H. Newell, and they continued the business
as the Barnes Safe & Lock Company until Mr. Barnes' death in 1894. Mr.
Newell only survived him about one year, since which time Mrs. Francis B.
Newell, Mr. Barnes' daughter, has carried on the business. Mr. Barnes was a
highly successful business man — self-made and progressive in his business
methods. He was a director of the City Deposit Bank and also of the Duquesne
National Bank. He was a devout member of the old St. Paul Cathedral and
a liberal supporter of the same. He was generous to a fault and highly
esteemed for his many manly virtues and sterling traits of character.
Mr. Barnes married Ann Curran, born in Ireland, and came to America
with her brothers and sisters. She died aged seventy years, in 1893. They
were the parents of eight children — four sons and four daughters. One died
aged seven years, two more died young, and one died aged twenty-five years,
unmarried. Another, William J., married Mary Byrker, of Pittsburg, and they
have five children : George, William, Thomas, Alphonso and Marie. The
living children of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are: i. Mary Ann, unmarried. 2.
Fannie, who married John H. Newell, who died in 1895, and was a partner of
his father-in-law. Previous to his marriage he was engaged in the office of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as assistant cashier, beginning while yet
a young man. They had three children, all born in Pittsburg : Thomas Barnes
Newell, who married Irene Einstein, whose child is Ann Marie ; the father is
associated with Mrs. Newell in the safe business. Anna Barnes Newell,
unmarried : John A. Newell, unmarried, is also connected with the safe and
lock company with his mother. 3. Ellen J. Barnes, unmarried.
GEORGE H. GARBER. Among the deceased citizens whose lives were
spent in the city of Pittsburg and whose influence for good as a temperance
advocate in the state of Pennsylvania is yet felt, and will be for years to come,
was George H. Garber, born in Pittsburg, May 16, 1851, and died at Thomp-
sonville, Georgia, December 25, 1903, after several months' illness. At the
time of his death and for several years previously he was conspicuous in
Pennsylvania Prohibition party workings. He received a public school educa-
tion, and the first business to which he turned his attention was conducting a
china store on Wood street. He next embarked in real estate transactions, but
soon connected himself with the pork-packing firm of Rea & Company, with
whom he was associated for twenty-five years, being its secretary and treasurer
at his death. From early manhood he was interested in the cause of tem-
perance, and in 1884 became an active worker in the state Prohibition party
in his native state. During that year he made many speeches and made the
acquaintance of nearly all the state and national temperance leaders and orators.
In 1898 he was a candidate on the Prohibition ticket for congressman-at-large.
Locally he was a potent factor in such work as was being done bv the tem-
perance people. He had been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church
many years, was an active worker in the Christian Endeavor Societv, and was
chairman of the Good Citizens' Committee of Alleghenv countv. He was an
elder in the church of his choice, as well as a member of all the boards of that
church.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 227
He married in 1877 Miss Josephine Rea, daughter of Henry Rea, Jr., and
at his death left a widow and three children, Henry Rea, Emma J. and
Evelyn E.
The following tribute was paid Mr. Garber by the state executive commit-
tee of the Prohibition party of Pennsylvania :
'Tt is with genuine sorrow that every Prohibitionist in Pennsylvania who
knew him heard of the death of George H. Garber, of Pittsburg, and it is with
grief and a real sense of personal loss that the executive committee of the Pro-
hibition party of Pennsylvania, at their first meeting since the mournful event,
take occasion to give formal expression of their own bereavement and of their
heartfelt sympathy for their deceased brother's family.
"George H. Garber was for many years a most efficient example in his
immediate community of those forces which make for purity in public as well
as private life, and so pronounced had become his influence that the party of
political purity in Pennsylvania soon availed itself of his services in its wider
councils, and he became a member of the state executive committee, on which
he served with untiring fidelity, wise counsel, conservative judgment and
hopeful, helpful spirit.
"His death leaves a wide gap not only in the work in which he was
engaged, but in the hearts of his co-workers ; and while such work must not be
hindered by indulgences in vain grieving this passing tribute is lovingly, ten-
derly and sorrowfully paid upon the grave of this dead comrade.
''And it is resolved that the above memorial minute be entered upon record
of the committee and a copy sent with sincerest sympathy to the bereaved
family of the deceased.
(Signed) "L. L. Grumbine,
"Chairman of Committee."
Concerning the ancestry of Mr. Garber let it be said that he was the son
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Volhardt) Garber, who was for many years a prom-
inent undertaker on Smithfield street, in Pittsburg, and had three children, two
daughters and one son, George H. Garber, subject.
The grandfather's name was also Jacob Garber, and his wife was Louisa
Dhiel : they resided in Baltimore, Maryland, some years before coming to
Pittsburg. '
Mrs. Garber's parents were Henry and Jane E. (Burke) Rea. The
father was born in Pittsburg, in 1831, and died March 31, 1906, aged seventy-
five years. He was the founder of the pork-packing house of Rea & Company,
of Pittsburg. He was very prominent in business circles, both for his ability
and integrity of purpose. He was born in Minersville, now the Thirteenth
ward of the city, and was engaged in business here forty years. He married,
March 10, 1852, Miss Jane E. Burke, a native of Ireland, born March 10,
1832, and died September 15, 1907, by whom were born the following children:
Two are deceased. The living are: i. Henry B., who married Florence
Moore, and they are the parents of four children, Emma, William. Guy and
Henry. 2. Josephine W., who married the subject of this memoir, George H.
Garber. 3. Margaret,, unmarried. 4. William M., who married Isabella
Anderson, and they are the parents of one child, Katharine. 5. Franklin H.,
who married Catherine McKelvey, and they were the parents of John. Henry
and Margarette Rea.
228 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mrs. Gerber's paternal grandfather was Henry Rea, Sr., who came from.
Ireland with his parents when a mere boy, and his father's name was also
Henry.
Henry Rea, Jr., as Mrs. Garber's father was known, was a native of
Pittsburg, and learned the cabinet making trade, and later engaged in the
commission business, which he followed about a dozen years. Shortly after the
Civil war he engaged in the pork-packing business, the firm being Rea, Hill
& Kerr. Two years later Mr. Rea purchased his partner's interest and con-
tinued alone with much success. His sons are now operating the business their
father thus established. The business was first conducted on Liberty street,
at the head of Smithfield. It soon outgrew those quarters, when land was
bought on Second and Try streets, where the present plant was built.
JEREMIAH MURRY GILCHRIST, deceased, was for many years of
the then well-known firm of Gilchrist & O'Connor, coal dealers, and subse-
quently in the same business on his own account. He was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, near Greensburg, and in what was then Salem township,
in 1821. He died in 1882'. He was the son of John A. Gilchrist, who died
when the subject was young. The first -of this Gilchrist family to settle at
Pittsburg was John Andrew Gilchrist, who came here from Scotland ; he was
the subject's grandfather and the father of Judge S. A. AlcClung's mother,
whose maiden name was Nancy C. Gilchrist.
After the death of the subject's father the mother moved to Plum Creek
township, and it was there that Jeremiah M. received his education. After
reaching manhood he learned the house painter's trade, but did not follow it
long, becoming a river man on coal barges and later engaged in the coal busi-
ness, the firm being Gilchrist & O'Connor, who operated several years, after
which Mr. Gilchrist removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a
farm on which he resided for seven years. He then returned to Pittsburg,
where he again engaged in the coal business, and was finally succeeded by his
sons, who now carry on the business' under the firm name of J. M. Gilchrist
Sons.
Jeremiah AI. Gilchrist was the youngest son in a family of two sons and
six daughters, and only one still survives — Mrs. Margaret Miller, of Canton,
Ohio. On the maternal side Mr. Gilchrist descended from Squire Murry, for
whom Murrysville, Pennsylvania, was named. He was united in marriage,
October 9, i860, in Pittsburg, to Mary Ann Arthurs, a native of Ireland, who
came to America in 1834 (the year of her birth) with her parents, Robert and
Ann ( Piper ) Arthur, who first settled in Toronto, Canada, where the father
was accidentally killed by the falling of a tree. His widow and children then
removed to Pittsburg, where Mrs. Gilchrist was reared and educated and has
resided all her life. Mr. Gilchrist was early in life a Democrat, but later voted
the Republican ticket. Mrs. Gilchrist is a life-long member of the Methodist
Episcopal church in Allegheny City. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gil-
christ were as follows: i. Rebecca M., deceased. 2. James O'Connor, born
in Pittsburg and is now of the firm of J. AL Gilchrist Sons, coal dealers. 3.
Harry, born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and is unmarried. 4. John
Andrew, deceased, unmarried, and of the firm just named. 5. Joseph Johnson,
born in I'eaver county, Penns\lvania, married Laura Hammer, daughter of
Jlf^^iiz^^ ,</t:^^l^L^^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 229
G. W. Hammer, of Pittsburg, and he is another member of the firm founded
by his father. 6. Alary, born, in Allegheny City.
WALTER S. LOBINGIER, well known in and about Pittsburg both as
a newspaper man and lawyer, is a descendant of one of the oldest and most in-
fluential families of western Pennsylvania. He was born at Mt. Pleasant,
Westmoreland county, June 11, 1869. Flis ancestors were among the earliest
settlers of Pennsylvania and came from sturdy Huguenot stock. They were
active participants in the events of pioneer times and in the material develop-
ment of the section of the country with which they were identified. The Lo-
bingier family is closely connected with many of the most estimable families
in Pittsburg and Allegheny county, as well as western Pennsylvania, and the
family roster includes statesmen, jurists, soldiers and ministers. The subject of
this sketch traces his lineage through the following lines :
(I) Christopher Lobingier, Sr. (the great-great-great-grandfather), was
the founder of the family in this country. He with his brother Jacob emigrated
from Wittenberg, Germany, prior to 1735, settling at Hummelstown, which was
then in the territory embraced within Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but
which is now located in Dauphin county. The tradition in the family is that
he was of French extraction, his forebears having been driven from France
during the Huguenot persecution. They sought a refuge in Germany, and it
was from that country that Christopher Lobingier and his brother started to
found new homes in America. Soon after his arrival in this country Jacob dis-
appeared while fighting the Indians and all trace of him was lost, the supposi-
tion being that he was killed by the savages. Christopher became an influential
citizen and died where he located on his arrival in this country. He was buried
in the old churchyard at Hummelstown, where his grave is still to be found,
together with other members of his family.
(H) Hon. Christopher Lobingier, son of the German emigrant, and the
great-great-grandfather of Walter S. Lobingier, was born in Lancaster, or
rather Dauphin, county in 1740. He located at Laurelville in Mt. Pleasant
township, Westmoreland county, in 1772. Between that year and 1789, by pur-
chase a:nd grants of land made to him by the commonwealth, he became one of
the largest land owners in Westmoreland county. He was a delegate to the
first constitutional convention of Pennsylvania in 1776, and was a member of
the committee of correspondence from that county. From 1791 to 1793 he
was a member of the general assembly as Pennsylvania. He was married in
1766 to Elizabeth Mueller, daughter of John Mueller, and who came to this
country in 1752 from Switzerland with her father. They had nine children,
one of whom was John. The death of Christopher Lobingier occurred in Mt.
Pleasant township July 4, 1798.
(HI) Judge John Lobingier, son of Christopher, just named, was the
eldest son in his parents' family. He was born April 5. 1767, in Dauphin
county, and was taken by his father when five years old to Westmoreland
county. He became one of the prominent business men and political factors in
that section of the Keystone state and took a very active part in its affairs.
He served in the legislature and for many years was an associate judge of
Westmoreland county. He engaged in the milling, salt and iron business and
conducted a hotel at Laurelville on the Greensburg or National pike, which was
230 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
then the thoroughfare between Pittsburg and Philadelphia before the time of
railroads and when the Conestoga wagon was the principal means of freight
transportation across the mountain. This place became noted as a stopping
place for celebrated personages of that time. During the Whiskey Rebellion
he was a strong supporter of the government, and while the Federal troops
were quartered on his farm aided them materially, at the same time exerting
himself by public speeches and otherwise in restoring order in the disaffected
districts. He was one of the pioneer iron-makers of western Pennsylvania,
erecting one of the earliest furnaces built west of the Allegheny mountains,
the ruins of which still remain near his old home as a landmark of the early
days. One of the oldest buildings in Westmoreland is a large stone mill erected
by him in 1801 at Laurelville and which is still in an excellent state of preser-
vation. He was married July 7, 1789, to Sophia Moyer, and after her death
married, September 5, 1839, Elizabeth Cross. Judge Lobingier died at Mt.
Pleasant February 26, 1859, one of the most respected men in that county.
(IV) John Lobingier, son of Judge John Lobingier, was born August 21,
1799, in Laurelville. He followed agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he
built a splendid residence in Mt. Pleasant, where he lived until his death. May
16, 1885. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He married, November
25, i82'4, Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Jacob Smith, who was the son of Philip
Smith, who came to this country from Germany and whose wife was Mary
Armel, of Westmoreland county. John and Elizabeth (Smith) Lobingier had
nine children, of whom J. Smith Lobingier, father of Walter S. Lobingier, was
one. The family resided on a farm near Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
(V) J. Smith Lobingier, father of Walter S. Lobingier, was born in Mt.
Pleasant township, Westmoreland county, July 24, 1828, and died May 27,
1907. He acquired his education in the select schools of his native county and
at Washington College, which institution he attended for one year. Though his
educational advantages were somewhat limited, through self-study, constant
and good reading and an earnest desire to acquire knowledge he became well
informed on a large variety of subjects. He always followed the independent
and quiet life of a farmer, and for a number of years engaged in the successful
operation of a coal mine, manufacturing coke and shipping it to Pittsburg in
the early days of steel making. His home farm comprised one hundred and
seventy-five acres of farming land, besides one hundred acres of excellent tim-
ber land at another point in the same township. In his political affiliations he
was a staunch Republican, but never aspired to public office holding. He en-
joyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and not infrequently was
called upon to act as executor, administrator and assignee.
Mr. Lobingier was united in marriage December 25, i860, to Miss Mary
Jane Cochran, born November 17, 1837. The children born to this union were:
I. Edward, born September 6, 1861, died February 6, 1865. 2. John, born Au-
gust 2, 1863, died July 30, 1895. 3. Walter Smith, the subject of this notice,
born June 11, 1869, of whom later. 4. Chauncey, born July 30, 1873, gradu-
ated in 1896 from Lafayette College, and he is now practicing law at Pittsburg;
he married, October 31, 1901, Isabelle Danby, of Easton. Pennsylvania. 5.
Charles D., born March 16, 1875. 6. Arthur McMillan, born December 14,
1878. 7. Alice lona. 8. Hettie Lovinia. Mr. Lobingier was a member of the
Reunion Presbyterian church of Mt. Pleasant, of which body he was an elder
for twenty years.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 231
Walter S. Lobingier was the fourth child of J. Smith and Mary Jane
(Cochran) Lobingier. After attending the pubhc schools he took his prepara-
tory college studies at the Alt. Pleasant Classical and Scientific Institute. He
completed his freshman year at Washington and Jefferson College and gradu-
ated from the University of Wooster, of Wooster, Ohio, in the class of 1892.
Immediately on completing his college course he came to Pittsburg to engage in
newspaper work. He was first employed on the Dispatch, and received his first
experience in this avocation reporting the famous Homestead strike, and upon
which he worked until the end of those exciting labor troubles. During the
next few years he was employed in various capacities on different daily news-
papers in Pittsburg, including that of New York correspondent for the Daily
A'^cra's and city editor of the Times. He was also engaged for a time in news-
paper work in Denver, Colorado. In 1897 he established the Pittsburg Index,
first published in the East End, and which has become one of the best-known
weekly publications in the city. His last newspaper work was as financial ed-
itor of the Pittsburg Press. Having fitted himself for the legal profession, he
was admitted to the Allegheny county bar in 1903, since which time he has been
in active practice. . Politically, Mr. Lobingier is a Republican, with which
party he has been actively identified. In church relations he is a member of the
East Liberty Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the Ma.sonic fra-
ternity, belonging to Duquesne Lodge No. 546, Free and Accepted Masons;
Pittsburg Chapter No. 268, Royal Arch Masons; Mt. Moriah Council No. 2,
Royal and Select Masters ; Duquesne Commandery No. ^2, Knights Templar ;
Pennsylvania Consistory, thirty-second degree. Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and Syria Temple, Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Alpha Tau
Omega Greek letter fraternity and a charter member of the Colonial Republi-
can Club. He enlisted and served for a time as a member of Company E,
Tenth regiment, N. G. P., and from which he was honorably discharged.
He was married, December 30, 1897, to Miss Rose Fulton, daughter of
James and Alartha Morrison Fulton. Of this union has been born a daughter,
Martha Fulton Lobingier.
LOLTIS KABLE, who has been for more than thirty years numbered
among the enterprising business men of Pittsburg, was born February 7, 1855,
at New Derry, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, son of Martin Kable, who
was born September 11, 1823, in Matzfeld, Germany, and whose name was
originally spelled Goeble.
Martin Kable learned the tailor's trade, and about 1849 emigrated to the
United States, settling first at York, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his
trade. He saved his earnings, and in 1853 moved to New Derry, Westmore-
land county, where he opened a tailor's shop, which he conducted until 1865.
In that year he came to Pittsburg and opened a shop on Penn avenue, at the
East End, after a short time purchasing a lot on Collins avenue, on which he
erected the dwelling which was his home for the remainder of his life. He
was a fine workman and commanded high-class patronage. He was a Repub-
lican and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Martin Kable married. March 7, 1852, in York. Pennsylvania, Katharine
Yaney. who was born in Germany, November 24, 1820, and when a child of
six years was brought by her parents to the L'nited States. Her father was a
232 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
gardener and nurseryman in the service of the late Judge Barnitz, of York, and
Katharine was brought up in the Judge's family. Mr. and Mrs. Kable were the
parents of three sons: Christian Kable, born March 26, 1853, died January
II, 1902; Louis Kable, born February 7, 1855; and William K. Kable, born
November 29, i860, died August 24, 1892. William K. Kable learned the
trade' with his father and never married. After the death of the mother of
these sons, which occurred May 10, 1874, Mr. Kable married Margaret (King)
Ross, widow of John Ross, and they became the parents of one daughter.
Hattie May, now the wife of Arthur Banker, of Pittsburg. The death of
Martin Kable occurred November 11, 1903.
Louis Kable, son of Martin and Katharine (Yaney) Kable, was ten years
•old when his parents moved to Pittsburg, and it was in the public and high
schools of that city that he received his education. He learned the tailoring
business with his father, and at the age of twenty-one was admitted as a
partner, the style of the firm being M. Kable & Sons. Three years later his
father retired, and the business was continued under the firm name of L. Kable
& Brother for another three years, when Louis Kable purchased his brother's
interest. He has from time to time remodeled the building, and in 1903
equipped the structure with all the modern improvements requisite for a high-
class tailor shop. He employs sixteen of the best workmen in his line of
business, but gives his personal supervision to everything done in the estab-
lishment, which is excelled by none and commands the best patronage. In
1893 he purchased his present residence in Grafton street, and is the owner of
other property in the city.
He is a member of the Board of Trade, and took a very active interest in
municipal legislation, being once nominated for councilman. He is a Repub-
lican and has taken a leading part in the political affairs of the Nineteenth
ward. He belongs to Duquesne Lodge No. 546, F. and A. M., Pittsburg
Chapter, Duquesne Commandery and the Consistory. He is a member of the
Emory Methodist Episcopal church on North Highland avenue, and takes a
prominent part in church work, serving as trustee and assistant secretary of
the Sunday-school. He was one of those who contributed to the erection of
the new church edifice in 1907.
Mr. Kable married, June 11, 1878, Katharine L., born in Pittsburg,
daughter of the late John W. and Elizabeth ( Shaffer ) Tim. A sketch of the
Tim family appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Kable have been
the parents of the following children: John Martin, born October 11, 1879,
died July 2, 1880; Emma Florence, born April 30, 1881, died March 25, 1889;
Edwin Louis, born April 27, 1884, died March 18, 1889; Warren Tim, born
September 2, 1888; Charles Wesley, born July i, 1891 ; Mary Elizabeth, born
May 15, 1894; Jane Katharine, born May 15, 1894; Louise Margaret, born
September 9, 1893.
EDWARD M. DIEBOLD, president of the E. M. Diebold Lumber Com-
pany, of Pittsburg, was born in that city August i, 1873, ^ ^o" of Michael
and Elizabeth ( Kril! ) Diebold. The father was born in Pittsburg and the
mother in Germany ; she came to America when young w'ith her parents.
Michael Diebold has for many years been engaged in the lumber business at
Pittsburg, and at the present time (1907) is the president of the Diebold
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 233
Lumber and Mamifactiiring Company, in which he has been highly successful.
To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Diebold were born the following nine children: i.
Edward M., the subject of this notice, of whom later. 2. Frank X., president
of the Forest Lumber Company. 3. Alfred J., secretary and treasurer of the
Forest Lumber Company. 4. Mathilda. 5. Clarence J. 6. Elmer A. 7.
Howard. 8. Lee. 9. Beatrice. These children are all natives of the citv of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Edward ^L Diebold, subject, was educated in the public schools of his
native city and at St. \'incent's College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania. After com-
pleting his education he entered into the employ of Murphy & Diebold, with
whom he continued about eight years, and then went with the Diebold Lumber
and ^Manufacturing Company, being the secretary and treasurer of this com-
pany for three years. In 1905 he organized the E. AL Diebold Lumber
Company (incofporated), of which he is the president and treasurer. He is
also a director of the Park Bank- and a member of the East End Board of
Trade. Politically Mr. Diebold is independent, and in religious faith is a
member of the Catholic church. On May 6, 1896, Air. Diebold was united
in marriage to Clarion Hopper, born in Pittsburg, daughter of Frank A. and
Margaret (King) Hopper. The six- children of this union, all born in Pitts-
burg, are as follows: i. Earl Francis. 2. Edward J. 3. Helen Marion. 4.
Frank J. 5. Marion Elizabeth, and 6. John F.
ANTHONY DR.W'O ANDERSON. The late Anthony D. Anderson,
so well known as an energetic business man of Pittsburg, was born in this city
in 1844 and died in 1886. He was the son of John and Harriett (Dravo)
Anderson. The father was a native of Ireland and married Harriett, daughter
of Peter- Dravo and wife, by whom several children were born, including the
subject.
Anthony D. .Anderson was educated at the public schools of the Fourth
ward in Pittsburg and at the Western L'niversity of Pennsylvania, after wdiich
he engaged in the drug business, in which he was quite successful for a time
and then engaged in the confectionery business as bookkeeper for the firm of
Raymond & Anderson, in which he was successful and continued in a number
of years. Subsequently he embarked in the oil business as a refiner. After
following this for some time he entered the steel business, being in the employ
of Woods & Anderson ; the last named member of the steel manufacturing
firm was Robert Anderson, who was the subject's brother. Anthonv D. was
the manager of the business up to the date of his death in 1886.
In pwlitics he voted the Republican ticket and in religion was of the Metho-
dist Episcopal faith and an exemplary Christian. He was connected with the
Masonic fraternity and highly respected by his fellow^ men.
He married Miss Martha Wightman, who was a native of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Morrison) Wight-
man, tioth natives of Ireland, who came to America when young with their
parents, and were married in Pittsburg. Robert Wightman was the son of
James and Martha (Smiley) Wightman, of Scotch-Irish descent. James
Wightman upon coming to this country settled on a farm which was located
near where the L'nion railway station now stands, and there became a suc-
cessful farmer. (See Wightman sketch elsewhere in this work.)
234 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
The children born to Mr. and ]\Irs. Anthony D. Anderson were Harriette,
Isabelle and Grace.
THOMAS M. BLAIR, deceased, who for the greater part of his hfe was
bookkeeper and general accountant for the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railway,
was born in the old log house erected by his grandfather on the old Morrow
farm on the Perrysville road. The date of his birth was April 13, 1837.
He was the son of John and Nancy (Morrow) Blair. The father was a native
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was a mill worker by trade, but became a
teamster for the Fort Wayne Railway Company, and Was one of the first to
carry on a transfer business in Pittsburg. The Blairs were all of the Methodist
Episcopal church faith.
Thomas M. Blair, subject, received a common school education in Alle-
ghen^• City and at the' age of si.xteen years entered the employ of the Fort
\\'ayne Railway Company, where he was advanced from one position to
another, and at the time of his death was general bookkeeper of the Penn-
sylvania lines, having been constantly in the employ of the company from his
earliest manhood. He was a member of the old Allegheny Gentleman's Base
Ball Club, and in politics he supported the Republican party. He died Decem-
ber 26, 1875. He married, October 15, 1861, Mary Jane Burgess, who was
born in the First ward of Allegheny City, July i, 1840, a daughter of John and
Susan (Stubbs) Burgess. Her father was a native of Cooke Town, Virginia,
and her mother was born in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Thomas M. Blair
and wife had one child, Anna, who married Albert J. Schroth, born in Alle-
gheny City, a son of John and Philamenon (Dahlinger) Schroth, and the
issue by such union was four children, all bom in Allegheny City, and named
as follows: i. Thomas Blair Schroth, born September 26, 1882. 2. Mar-
garet Davidson, born May 12, 1884, married November 15, iqo6, David H.
Campbell, of Sewickley, born in Allegheny. 3. Jessie McCullough, born April
29, 1888. 4. Albert Kenneth, born February 7, 1891.
Concerning the Burgess family it may here be stated that the first of the
family to come to America from England was the grandfather of John Burgess,
Mrs. Blair's father. The English emigrant was a civil engineer who came to
Mrginia for the purpose of surveying the lands in the state of Virginia, which
he did. Among his children was one son named Francis. Francis married a
woman whose Christian name was Martha, and in their family was a son,
John Burgess. The last named, Mrs. Blair's father, was for many years a
grocer on Ohio and other streets in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. At the
time of the Civil war he with others fitted out and filled a vessel with provisions
for the Union troops and after many hardships and great danger succeeded
in running the blockade through to the southern states. He was a lover of
music, having a special fondness for vocal music, which he used to teach, more
for the liking he had for it than for the profit he received in a financial way.
He died in 1884, aged sixty-nine years. His wife died aged seventy-three
years, in 1896.
JAMES GRAHAM CHALFAXT, recently elected county engineer of
.\llegheny county, was born in Wilkins township, this county, .August 6.
18/xj, the son of Flenry R. and Evaline R. (Graham) Chalfant. This family
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 235
is of Frencli descent, the great-grantlfather being one of two brothers who at
an early period left France and made for themselves homes in eastern Penn-
sylvania, where they reared families. Henry Chalfant, the subject's grand-
father, a son of one of these two brothers, came with his brothers to
Allegheny county in 1827, settling in Turtle Creek, where he purchased a few
acres oi land. He married Isabella C. Weakley, daughter of Samuel and
Hester '\\'eakley, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Ten children were
born of this union, eight of whom grew to maturity, including Henry R., the
father of James G., of this notice.
Henry R. Chalfant, third in line from the French emigrant, was born in
1837, in the village of Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was
educated at the common schools and academy. In 1868 he married Evaline
R. Graham, daughter of James Graham. By this union the issue was eight
children, as follows: 1. James Graham, the subject, of whom later mention
is made. 2. Mary I. 3. Martha. ■ 4. Sidney A. 5. Henry R. 6. Frederick
B. 7. Eva M. 8. George A. The father was a highly respected farmer of
W'ilkins township. In politics he voted the Republican ticket. He was a
member of the Presbyterian church and a director of the county poor of
Allegheny county and a director and vice-president of the Braddock National
Bank. He died September 30, 1887.
James Graham Chalfant attended the public schools near his home and
later attended the University of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, after which he
secured employment with the Pittsburg & Western Railway Company, where
he remained some time and then identified himself with the Westinghouse
Electric & Manufacturing Company, at East Pittsburg, under the tutelage of
Thomas Rodd, consulting engineer. He later returned to the employ of the
Pittsburg & Western Railway Company, and remained with that corporation
until he became connected with the county road department, where he
remained for a time under the direction of Fred W. Patterson, the then
county road engineer. After filling this position well for some time he accepted
a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company on its lines west from
Pittsburg. Subsequently he accepted the position of assistant engineer in the
bureau of surveys of the city of Pittsburg, which position he held seven years
and up to the time of his appointment, in April, 1907, to the position of county
engineer.
]\Ir. Chalfant was united in marriage in 1902 to Alva, daughter of Alfred
GufTey and Amanda (Coyne) Guft'ey, who died in 1904 without issue. Mr.
Chalfant is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church.
WILLIAM A. HOE\'ELER and ERASMUS HOEVELER, prominent
business men of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, are descendants of the well-known
families of Hoeveler and Hoya, residing in Hanover, formerly a kingdom of
northern Germany, but since 1866 incorporated with Prussia. There William
Hoeveler and Clara Hoya, his wife, received the educational advantages of
their day. William Hoeveler was actively identified with the woolen manu-
facture in the city of Ankum. Clara, his wife, was exceptionally well educated,
writing verse beautifully, and her grandchildren remember with pleasure her
musicales. This couple surrounded their children with refining influences, and
saw that they received liberal education. The children were: i. William, of
236 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
wlioia further. 2. Clemence, who founded the German Fire Insurance Com-
panv of Pittsburgh. 3. Clara, who married WilHam Hune. 4. Louise, who
married Joseph Herman, teacher, and later banker. 5. Herman, who died in
Kansas City, Missouri. 6. Augustus, of whom further. After the death of
the father, and when emigration was decided upon, all business at home was
settled up, and the famil)' brought with them to the United States sufficient
means to establish the business later outlined in this narrative.
William Hoeveler, eldest child of William and Clara (Hoya) Hoeveler,
born in the then kingdom of Hanover, Germany, was the first of the family
to come to this country, with a view to selecting a place of residence for all.
After traveling over the greater part of the east, he decided upon Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, as the most promising location. In that embryo city, shortly
after his arrival (in 1835) he engaged in the manufacture of chemicals,
principally Prussian blue. Later he established himself in the grocery business
in association with his brothers, Clemence, Herman and Augustus, in Penn
avenue, near Fourteenth street. They set up three stores — one on the Greens-
burg turnpike, now Penn avenue and Fourteenth street ; another on Wylie
avenue, and the third on Fourth street road, now Fifth avenue. As an adjunct
to the business the brothers established and operated a line of Conestoga
wagons, and in order to provide trading stations numerous log-cabins were
maintained on a route covering Butler and Westmoreland counties. Mr.
Hoeveler died in his prime, in 1845, being only forty-two years of age. He
married, in Germany, Gertrude Ussalman, and their first child died on the voy-
age to America. All their other children were born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania :
Aloysius, Bassileus, Clara, Dominica and Erasmus, and of whom Clara and
Erasmus are the only ones now (1907) living.
Augustus Hoeveler, youngest child of William and Clara (Hoya)
Hoeveler, was born in Ankum, kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in 1820, and
was seventeen years of age when he accompanied his parents and their other
children to the United States. Becoming a member of the firm of Hoeveler
Brothers, he was placed in. charge of the wagon routes, a most important
branch of their btisiness. In time the partnership was dissolved, and he became
owner of the Bayardstown store, conducting the business on his own account.
In 1850 he disposed of this property and began the manufacture of glue, soap
and candles in what is now the Twentieth ward of the city of Pittsburg. With
other enterprising men, including Edward Frauenheim and Leopold X'ilsack,
he was active in the establishment of the Iron City Brewery. Mr. Hoeveler
also took an active part in the establishment of other manufacturing enter-
prises. He was also one of the incorporators of the German Xational Bank,
of which he was president until his death. He was a pioneer in laying out
suburban property, and made very profitable real estate investments. He was
most liberal and lenient with his customers. His judgment being good it never
became necessary to sell out a lot or home buyer in order to satisfy unpaid
claims for the purchase money. His plan was to buy large tracts of unimproved
lands, in eligible locations, divide them into building lots, and sell them on
reasonable terms as to consideration and time. He was sagacious in his loca-
tions, and his sites soon developed into important sections of the city. St.
Augustine's church (Roman Catholic) now stands upon one of these tracts.
He served as a member of the borough council of Lawrenceville, and after
thai borough was annexed to Pittsburg, he was elected to the citv council, but
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 237
his death occurred before he could take his seat. He was a devout CathoHc
in rehgious faith, and a Democrat in poHtics. He married EHzabeth O'Leary,
daughter of Wilham O'Leary, a well-known glass manufacturer of Pittsburg,
and established his residence on Black Horse Hill. The children of Augustus
and Elizabeth (O'Leary) Hoeveler were eight in number, of whom three grew
to maturity : William A., of whom further ; Stella, married Roger S. Kennedy,
of St. Paul, Minnesota ; and Joseph .\., a resident of Pittsburg.
William A. Hoeveler, eldest son of Augustus and Elizabeth (O'Leary)
Hoeveler, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 14, 1852. His education
was acquired in the parochial schools of his native city and at Newell's Insti-
tute and St. Vincent's College. After completing his studies, in 1869, at the
age of seventeen years, he engaged in the manufacture of glue, and continued
in this occupation until 1887, when he established the storage business in which
he is at present engaged, and in which his excellent judgment, executive ability
and probity have brought him flattering and well deserved success. He has
excellent mechanical abilities, and is an inventor of more than ordinary note.
He has been actively and beneficially identified with the growth and general
development of the city of Pittsburg, and has ever given public-spirited service
to its welfare. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, and a member of the
Knights of Columbus, and in politics is independent. He married, February
17, 1885, Katherine Hemphill (see Hemphill sketch in this work), and they
have had children : Genevieve, James Hemphill and William A. Hoeveler, Jr.
Erasmus Hoeveler, son of William and Gertrude (Ussalman) Hoeveler,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 31, 1844, and was there educated
in the public schools. After the death of his father he accompanied his mother
to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She had previously married, in Pitts-
burg, Clemence Zaun, by whom she had two children, one of whom, Herman,
is now a resident of New York. Upon attaining manhood's estate, Erasmus
Hoeveler returned to Pittsburg and engaged in various occupations. At the
time of the Civil war he was engaged in making boxes for the government,
and also worked on the construction of gunboats. Later he became interested
in the glue business, and subsequently dealt in live stock, with which business
he was identified for a period of twenty-five years in New York and Pittsburg.
He is now living retired from business responsibilities and enjoying the fruits
of his industry. He is a director in a number of financial institutions, among
them the Humboldt Insurance Company and the East End Savings Bank. He
married, in Pittsburg, in 1877, Katherine T. Kim, born in Pittsburg, a daughter
of George Kim, and they had four children, two of whom are now living:
Mary Gertrude and George A.
DAVID BORLAND, deceased, who was connected with the Nimick Iron
Works, Pittsburg, was born in this city May 26, 1830, and died March 3, 1884.
He was educated in his native city and attended Prof. Meadi's private school.
In his early life he engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store. Later he was in
the commission business, after which he became a shipping clerk for Bailey &
Brown in the iron business, located on Water street. LTpon the retirement of
Mr. Bailey from the business the firm was kno.wn as Brown & Company, and
the plant was removed to Ninth street, and later styled the Wayne Iron Works.
Mr. Borland continued as the firm's shipping clerk until he was made book-
238 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
keeper and still later a partner in the Nimick Iron Works, located on the
South Side, near Carson street, and there he continued to operate until his
death. He had made his home in the Shadyside district for forty years. He
was a member of the Presbyterian church, a devoted man in his family and
greatly beloved and highly esteemed by the community.
Mr. Borland's father was Moses Borland, born in Ireland, and came to
this country when but sixteen years of age. He was a house-painter and
followed this for some years, after which he was able from his earnings to
retire and enjoy the comforts of life. He lived in Allegheny City, where he
served as one of the school directors. His wife was Sarah Taggert, a native
of Ireland, who came to America with her mother at the age of six years. Her
father died in Ireland before her coming here. Their children were: David,
the subject; Dr. William Borland, who now resides in Allegheny; Joseph H.,
and Jane, who died unmarried. The only surviving one is Dr. William Borland.
David Borland married, September 12; 1854, in Allegheny City, Katherine
Blatjche Snowden, born February 10, 1834, in Allegheny City, daughter of
Samuel and Selina (Gilleland) Snowden. Mrs. Borland's mother was the
daughter of David Gilleland, a farmer residing near Wilkinsburg, and was
called Squire Gilleland ; his wife was Lydia Parker. The children born to Mr.
and Mrs. David Borland were as follows: Selina, Sarah Elizabeth, Alexander
Graff, Kate Blanche, Joseph H., who married Jane Kennedy, and they have
one child, Katherine.
Of the Snowden family history it may here be added that the family was
an early one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The American progenitor coming
to this country in 1685 was named John, Sr., and it is believed he was the first
Presbyterian minister ordained in Pennsylvania or the colonies, the date being
1704. He had a son, Isaac, born in 1732 in Philadelphia, and died in 1809.
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and married Mary Cox. They had
a son named John, Jr. John, Sr., signed the ''Concession" at Burlingto'n, New
Jersey, and became judge of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1704.
From the above line descended Judge John M. Snowden, who was a prom-
inent figure in the city of Pittsburg at an early day. He was judge of the
court of common pleas, appointed April 16, 1840, and reappointed or com-
missioned March 31, 1841. He was one of the original directors in the Bank
of Pittsburg, the first to be granted a charter in the city, the date being 18 14.
Among other directors was Ephraim Blaine, grandfather of the late Hon.
James G. Blaine. Judge Snowden was also mayor of Pittsburg at one time.
He was a native of Philadelphia and a man of much influence. He married
Elizabeth Moore, and among their children was Samuel Snowden, father of
Mrs. Borland of this notice. He was a native of Pittsburg and was engaged
in th^ wholesale drug business for many years. He was the first of the firm of
Avery, Ogden & Company, located on Wood street. Later he retired from the
drug trade and embarked in the manufacture of white lead. His factory was
up the Allegheny river from Pittsburg. The firm was known as Ogden &
Snowden. He was a successful operator in this industry until his death.
JOHN M. WEBER, who has been in the employ of the Monongahela
Watch Company and the Felkes & Wilson Company for a number of years, is
a well- known resident of the South Side, Pittsburg-, Pennsylvania. He is a
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 239
representative of the third generation of a family whose earlier members came
to this country from Germany.
John Weber, grandfather of John M. Weber, was a native of Germany,
and was a stonemason by trade. He came from Germany and located on the
South Side, Pittsburg, where he with his three sons engaged in the jewelry
business at the corner of Tenth and Carson streets. He married Miss Neary,
and they had children: William E., see forward; Charles and Albert.
WilHam E. Weber, son of John Weber, was born in Hanover, Germany.
He was educated in his native country and there also learned the trade of
watch making, in which he became an expert. He came to the United States
with his parents about 1855, and they became residents of Pittsburg, as above
stated, occupying the house which is now (1907) the home of John M. Weber.
He was one of the first pupils of the old Birmingham school, which was at
that time under the direction of Miss Abrams, who is still living but retired
from the labors of teaching many years ago. After he had completed his
apprenticeship at the trade of watch making with J. M. Kenler he engaged in
business for himself in connection with his father and brothers. He enlisted
as a private in Company L, Sixty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, at the outbreak of the Civil War, and by merit was advanced to the
rank of second lieutenant in his company, which presented him a medal for
bravery and efficiency as an officer. He served in all four and one-half years,
and was an active participant in many of the most important battles of this
momentous struggle. At the close of the war he returned to Pittsburg and
resumed work at his trade, being located at the corner of Tenth and Carson
streets until the time of his death. He resided in the Twenty-eighth ward of
Pittsburg for many years, and then removed to the Twenty-ninth, where he
died in 1878. He was a member of the German Evangelical church, and gave
his political support to the Republican party. He married (first) Mary Devlin,
by whom he had one child: John M., see forward. He married (second)
Lizzie Ulrich, and had children : William, Amanda and Edwin.
John M. Weber, only child of William E. and Mary (Devlin) Weber, was
born in the Twenty-eighth ward of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1867. He
was also a student at the old Birmingham school, under the tuition of Miss
McCutcheon, until he had attained the age of sixteen years, when he was
apprenticed to learn the trade of watch making, an occupation with which he
was identified for a period of nine years. Since that time he has been in the
employ of the Monongahela W'atch Company and of the Felkes & Wilson Lum-
ber Company, dividing his time between these two concerns. When the South
Side Reservation Park was opened in 1892 he was appointed custodian. This
was the first park opened in that section of Pittsburg. Mr. Weber resides in
the old family home and is a member of the German Evangelical church. He
is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He has never married.
DAVID BLAIR, vice-president of the City Deposit Bank of Pittsburg,
was born September 3, 1841, in Ireland, a son of William Blair, a native of
that country. In 1853 he came with his wife and six children to the United
States, settling in Pittsburg. He was employed as a nurseryman in East
Liberty by General Negley and T. A. Mellon. William Blair married Margaret
Troop, also a native of Ireland, and they were the parents of twelve children.
240 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
all of whom were born in that country. Of these two died young, a third died
in Ireland, and three came to America before the parents. The following are
living: Mary, Margaret, Robert, David, William and Edward. The parents
of these children both lived to the age of eighty-five.
David Blair, a son of William and Margaret (Troop) Blair, was twelve
years old when brought by his parents to the United States, and finished his
education at the old Birchfield school house, Pittsburg. In 1854, while attend-
ing school during the winters, he found employment in the brickyard of the
late Alexander Negley and continued to work there until 1866. He then
engaged in the manufacture of brick for himself, and in 1868, having been
successful, took his brothers William and Edward into partnership, the firm
becoming D. Blair & Brothers. The enterprise has been extremely prosperous,
and is still conducted under the same firm name, the organization having built
up a very extensive business in the manufacture of building brick. For the
last twenty-five years Mr. Blair has been one of the directors of the City
Deposit Bank of Pittsburg, and at the present time is also vice-president of
the institution. For three years he served on the school board of the Twentieth
ward, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs, giving in all
respects an example of good citizenship. His political principles and opinions
are those of an Independent Republican. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian church on North Negley and Stanton avenues, and since 1873
has held the office of elder, and is actively engaged in the work of the church.
Mr. Blair married, in 1878. Mary A., daughter of Thomas Brown, a
prominent citizen of Pittsburg, where he was engaged in the hardware business
and was for many years president of the City Deposit Bank. i\Ir. and Mrs.
Blair are the parents of four daughters, all of whom were born in Pittsburg:
Mary, Nancy B., Margaret L., and Helen E. The youngest of these daughters
is now attending the Penn College for Women on Fifth avenue, from which
institution her sisters have graduated.
HENRY BERGER. The late Henry Berger, a well-known cigar manu-
facturer of Pittsburg, was born March 16, 1861, in the province of Lorraine,
Geriuany, a son of John Berger, also a native of Lorraine and by trade a glass-
blower. In 1863 John Berger emigrated to the L^nited States, landing in New
York and thence coming" to Pittsburg, where he made his home on Carson
street and there passed the remainder of his life. He was employed in the
glass factories, and at the time of his death was working in D. O. Cunningham's
factory. He and his wife were members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.
John Berger became the father of the following children : Henry, Elizabeth,
wife of Andrew Rousher, of Pittsburg; Philomene, wife of John Kelly, of
Pittsburg; Albert, and Stephen A., married Charlotte Barber, who recently
died. Both Albert and Stephen A. reside in Pittsburg. John Berger, the
father, died in 1873 aged forty-six. His widow, now sixty-six years old, resides
in Pittsburg.
Henry Berger, a son of John Berger, attended the parochial and public
schools until the age of twelve years, when he was obliged by the death of
his father to assist in the support of the family. For a number of years he
worked in the Jones-Laughlin mill, and being studiously inclined laid by the
little that he was able to save from his wages for the purpose of continuing
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 241
his education. At nineteen or twenty he entered Duff's Business College,
graduating thence in due course of time, and then learned cigar-making with
his uncle, John Berger, on the South Side. Soon after he engaged in the
manufacture of cigars for himself on Carson street, at the corner of Twenty-
eighth street, and from the beginning the enterprise prospered. He had
purchased his place of business, but sold it to the Jones-Laughlin Company
and bought another piece of property on Carson street, to which he removed.
His factory was situated in the rear and the retail store in front. On this site
he conducted business during the remainder of his life. He served several
years on the school board and on the central board of education. He belonged
to the Knights of St. George and many social orders, and in politics was a life-
long Democrat. He and his wife were members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic
church.
j\Ir. Berger married, March 30, 1898, Mary Trager, and they became the
parents of three children: John, born September 11, 1902; and two deceased.
The death of Mr. Berger, which occurred December 17, 1905, removed from
Pittsburg a good citizen, whose life from the age of two years had been passed
in that city. He was a man of a kind, amiable disposition, sincerely esteemed
and loved by all who knew him.
Mrs. Berger is a daughter of Joseph Trager, who was born in 1827, in
Bavaria, Germany, and as a young man came to the United States, settling in
Pittsburg, where he was employed in D. O. Cunningham's glass factory.
Joseph Trager married, in Bavaria, Mary Block, a native of that country, and
thev brought one child with them to the United States. Their children were :
Elizabeth, deceased ; and ]\Iary, who was born on Jane street, attended St.
Peter's parochial school, and became the wife of Henry Berger. Mr. Trager
died in 1877, aged forty-seven, and his widow passed away seven years later,
at the age of fifty-four. After the death of Mr. Berger his widow continued
to conduct the factory and the store until she sold the property to the Jones-
Laughlin Company.
JOHN SEMPLE, M.D., deceased, for many years one of the foremost
physicians and surgeons of western Pennsylvania, a man devotedly attached to
his profession, was a member of a family which has been honored in the annals
of the state for a number of generations.
James Semple, grandfather of Dr. John Semple, was born in Cumberland
county. Pennsylvania, March 9, 1756, and died in Allegheny county, in the same
state, November 13, 1830. He held the rank of captain in the Sixth company,
Third Battalion of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Militia, during the war of
the Revolution, and at the close of the war removed to Allegheny county, where
he took up a tract of land where Millvale is now located, this being divided
at his death between his sons, and a portion of it consisting of four hundred
acres, at Pine Creek, now Wildwood, is still in the possession of the Semple
family. For a time he had lived in Maryland, but was still very young when
he took up his residence in Allegheny county, where he attained a prominent
position as a leader in the public affairs of the community, being the second
sheriff ever elected in that county. He was engaged in farming as his business
life work and amassed a considerable fortune in that field of industry. He mar-
ried Christina Taggart, born May 12, 1755, and died November 10, 1829, and
iii— 16
242 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
they were the parents of: Mary, born August 30, 1780; James, bom March
29, 1786; John, born June 24, 1788; Thomas, born January 27, 1791 ; Robert
Anderson, see forward; Samuel, born June 19, 1795; Eliza, born January 2J,
^797'- William, born July 28, 1800.
Robert Anderson Semple, fourth son and fifth child of James and Chris-
tina (Taggart) Semple, was born on the family homestead at Gertys Run,
now (1907) a part of Pittsburg, December 10, 1793. He also followed the
occupation of farming, and, like his father, with a great deal of success. He
married Mary Simpson, and they had children: i. James, married Jane Ross.
2. Dr. John, see forward. 3. William, who died at the age of twenty-two years.
4. David, died in childhood. 5. Eliza, married William Hutchinson. 6. Mary.
7. Sarah, married Robert Ferguson. 8. Robert, married Harriet Myers. 9.
Silas, who married Eliza J. Steward.
Dr. John Semple, second son and child of Robert Anderson and Mary
(Simpson) Semple. was born on the family homestead at Wildwood February
16, 1822. His early years were spent in the place of his birth, and his prelim-
inary education was received from his father. Later he attended the college
at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was graduated with
honor. He then took up the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Drs.
Brooks and Speir, subsequently becoming a student at the Jefferson Medical
College in Philadelphia,, graduating from that institution in 1848. He then
took up the active practice of his profession in Ebensburg, Cambria county,
Pennsylvania, but at the end of one year was summoned to Wilkinsburg to take
up the practice of Dr. James Crothers. He erected a fine residence in Penn
avenue, in which he had his offices until the time of his death, October 9, igoi.
He was one of the oldest physicians in the western part of Pennsylvania, a man
of extraordinary ability in many directions, and with more than a local reputa-
tion in the medical profession. While taking an active interest in the industrial
and financial development of Pittsburg, he never allowed this to interfere with
his profession, and his patients evinced a remarkable devotion to him as a physi-
cian and a friend. A proof of this is to be found in the fact that he was the
physician and counselor of grandparents, parents and children in a number of
the most prominent families of the city. Toward the close of his life, when the
impaired state of his health would not permit him to leave his home, his patients
still insisted upon having the benefit of his experience, coming to him in his
home and obtaining medical advice. He spent much of his leisure time in the
study of botany and horticulture, and was a recognized authority in these
branches of research. He was a great lover of animals, and always had a
nuniber of pets about his home, notable among them being a macaw, which
was twenty-six years of age. His heart was filled with kindness toward all
living creatures, and his many acts of unostentatious charity were only discov-
ered after he had departed this life, regretted by all who had known him.
In politics he was an ardent and active Republican and served as burgess of
Wilkinsburg from 1888 to 1890. His religious affiliations were with the Pres-
byterian church, he being one of the charter members of the First Presbyterian
ciiurch of Wilkinsburg, and holding the office of elder until his death. He
took a great and beneficial interest in all matters connected with this institu-
tion. He was one of the leading spirits of Wilkinsburg in medical, (xilitical,
religious and charitable matters, and was universally esteemed and loved. He
was a member of the Bedford Medical Association, for which he wrote many
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 243
noteworthy papers, making a specialty of those having a bearing upon botany.
He was also a member of the American Medical Association, the State Medical
Association, and held a prominent place in Masonic circles. The interest he
evinced in educational matters was of much benefit to the school system of the
city, and one of the public schools of \^'ilkinsbnrg was named in his honor.
Dr. Semple married, first, ]\Iarch 20. 1848, Isabella Smith, who died March
22, 1852, and by her he had one child. Alary I. R. He married, second, June
8, 1854, Nancy Thompson, who died in 1895, and they had one child, Alargaret
J. S., deceased, who married and is survived by a son, John S. Semple.
THE WINEBIDDLE FAMILY. The once numerous family of Wine-
biddles of the vicinity of Greater Pittsburg are of German origin. The German
emigrant was John Conrad Winebiddle, born in Germany, March 11, 1741.
He was one of two sons that came to America, and was p>ossessed of much
wealth, as fortunes were then counted. He came to America at the time of
the Revolutionary war, attached to the English army, but was soon connected
with the cause of freedom. Owing to his great wealth he was enabled to carry
on large transactions with the Continental army. He came to Fort Duquesne,
now Pittsburg, and began purchasing cattle and supplied the Continental army
with beef. He also became a tanner and supplied the army with leather and
shoes for the soldiers. His tannery was located at Lawrenceville, and for some
years after the war closed he continued to operate this tannery with much
success. After the close of the Revolutionary struggle he commenced to pur-
chase land in what is now the East End of Pittsburg. He had about five
hundred acres, and in time it grew to be very valuable. It is now contained
in the Nineteenth and Twentieth wards of the city. This land was situated
east of the Allegheny cemetery and included the town of East Liberty. It is
all built up with fine, costly residences and business houses of great value.
Mr. Winebiddle married, in 1761, Elizabeth Weitzel, born in Pennsylvania.
He died, and his wife afterward married William Cunningham, of Scotland,
by whom one son was born, William. The issue of the emigrant W^inebiddle
and his wife Elizabeth were as follows; Anna Barbara, who married Jacob
Negley (see the Negley family sketch.) Philip, born May 14, 1780, in Pitts-
burg, died December 14, 1871. He married September 3, 1807, Susanna Roup,
daughter of Jonas and Abagail (Horr) Roup (see Roup sketch). She was
born March 26, 1786, and died October 21, 1873. They were the parents of
seven children, as follows: i. Lafayette, born September 5, 1808, died August
7, 1863. 2. Elizabeth, born February 18, 1810, died in June, 1896: she mar-
ried Moses Philips, born in May, 1809, died in March, 1877; they were married
May 10, 1832, and had these children: Sophia, Elizabeth J., \\'illiam W .,
Mary, Susanna R. and John R. All died without issue except William W.
Philips, who was born in January, 1848, and married Mrs. Annie Donohue,
and they have Florence, Lillie and William. 3. Sarah Winebiddle was bom
December 9, 181 1, and died May 18, 1875; married January 2, 1838, George
McWilliams, who died in March, 1880, aged seventy years. He was the son
of Richard McWilliams, of Scotch-Irish descent, and his wife was a Miss
Dunn : they had a large family, George being one of six sons. ( For more
concerning this man and his family see his section within this sketch herein-
after.) 4. Alary Ann Winebiddle, born April 11, 1814: married Henry Menold,
244 • A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
September 8, 1838, and their three children are Susanna M., born June 28,
1839, married Henry C. Teeters, now deceased, without issue; Lafayette Wine-
biddle, born in December, 1844, married Mattie Covert, whose children were
Alline L., Henry L., Lafayette, Jr., the other two are deceased ; Rachel M.,
born in January, 1849, married Charles A. Warmcastle, and their children are :
Mary AL, wife of C. P. Thompson ; Grace W., Laura W., Frances F., and
Jennie N. 5. Rebecca R. Winebiddle, born January 31, 1819, died in 1896;
married November 8, i860, Enoch Philips. 6. William C. Winebiddle, bom
March 9, 1821 ; served in the Mexican war; unmarried; mentioned hereinafter.
7. Olive M. Winebiddle, born June 13, 1826, married, April 12, 1855, William
Y. Brown, whose only child, Susanna, married William Winebiddle Baum.
(See their sketch.)
(\\) Kittle Winebiddle, third child of John Conrad Winebiddle and wife,
died October 21, 1877, aged eighty-seven years; she married, March 16, 1809,
John Roup, son of Jonas and Abagail (Horr) Roup (see Roup family sketch).
By this union two children were born — James, who died in infancy, and
Rebecca, who married William Penn Baum (see Baum sketch).
(H) John Conrad Winebiddle, Jr., son of the German emigrant and
wife, married first, Olive Newton ; second, Harriet Fitch Ingalls ; by her first
husband one child was born, Matilda, who married Dr. Augustus H. Gross.
The following is relative to George McWilliams, who married Sarah
Winebiddle, daughter of John Conrad Winebiddle and wife :
Mr. McWilliams was educated in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and mastered the carpenter's trade. When a young man lie came to East
Liberty, where he followed his trade in a successful manner for some years.
Later in life he engaged in the hardware trade on Penn avenue. East Liberty,
and took as a partner his son, Philip Biddle McWilliams, and continued until
his death. He was a prominent man in his day, was a director in one of the
banks and always identified with church affairs, being a regular attendant at
the Presbyterian church. His children were as follows: i. Susanna A., born
October 13, 1838; married John R. Murdoch March 14, 1867, and they have
children — John Robb, Sallie Winebiddle and William Howard. The last named
married, November 21, 1906, Katherine Diskin. Mr. and Mrs. Alurdoch's
eldest child, George Alexander, died January 27, 1905, aged thirty-seven years,
unmarried. 2. Rebecca McWilliams, died aged twenty-six years, unmarried.
3. George A., born September 29, 1843, married Mary L. Philips, of Johns-
town, and their children are : Jennie, who married Frank E. Wilson, and
Mary Louisa. 4. Philip B. 5. William H., born in June, 1858, unmarried.
LEANDER TRAUTMAN, one of the best-known members of the bar
now living in Pittsburg, was born February 17, 1865, at Canton, Ohio, a son
of the Rev. Louis Trautman, who was born at Montpellier, France, although
of German parentage, and was a minister of the Lutheran church. He married
Catharine Wismer, who bore him three children, of whom the eldest died in
infancy and the others were twins, Leander and Alexander L., the latter of
whom married Emma May Reep, by whom he had three children : Louis L.,
Marion G. and Ralph E. The Rev. Louis Trautman died in 1865, at Canton,
Ohio, where he was pastor of a Lutheran church.
Mrs. Catharine Trautman, who subsequently married Mr. J. B. Nobbs,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ' 245
was the daughter of Solomon Wismer and the granddaughter of Jacob Wis-
mer, who was twice married, his first wife being the motlier of all his children.
Solomon Wismer was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and all his life was
■engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died at the age of fifty-four and his wife,
Catharine Keil, lived to be eighty-two. Their daughter Catharine became the
wife of the Rev. Louis Trautman, as mentioned above. After the death of
Mr. Trautman she removed in 1869 to Pittsburg, where, in February, 1871,
she married Josiah Benjamin Nobbs.
Mr. Nobbs was born in 1828, in London, England, and was brought to
this country at the age of four years. He received his education in the schools
of Pittsburg and then learned the tinner's trade. Later he became connected
with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, serving for many years as foreman
of their shops. In 1865 he engaged in business for himself in Pittsburg, having
a hardware store and carrying on all kinds of tinning, sheet iron and metal
work. This business, in which he was very successful, he conducted until his
■death, and it is now carried on by his son. Grant C. Nobbs. Mr. Nobbs was at
one time a director of schools and prominent in various societies. At the
time of his death he was treasurer of the 0"Hara school. He was active in
city affairs and once served as alderman of the Twelfth ward.
Mr. Nobbs was twice married. His first wife was Mary McCurdy, by
whom he had three children : Laura, wife of William Rankin, one child, Mary ;
Dumars W., married Rose Harris,^ children, Charles, Benjamin and Harry;
and Grant C, married Stella Shannon, children, Laura, Hazel and Grant C.
Mrs. Trautman, the second wife of Mr. Nobbs, became the mother of seven
children, five of whom died in infancy. Two daughters survive : Mabel, wife
of William J. Hamilton, children, William James and Josiah Benjamin; and
Myra L., wife of Hugh McKean Jones, children, Annie Lee and Mary
Catharine. After the death of Mr. Nobbs, which occurred February 13, 1893,
in Pittsburg, his widow moved to the East End, where she now resides.
Leander Trautman, son of Louis and Catharine (Wismer) Trautman,
was but six weeks old at the time of the death of his father and was four
years old when his mother moved to Pittsburg. He received his education in
the O'Hara school and the Pittsburg high school. On leaving the latter institu-
tion he was obliged to go to work in a mill, but after earning sufficient money
he applied himself to the study of stenography. He never entered college, but
took a complete classical university course by private tutoring under the best
professors in Allegheny county. As a stenographer Mr. Trautman has achieved
a reputation, having kept up his speed all these years, and therefore ranks as
one of the oldest stenographers in the county. It is claimed that he has
reported as many conventions and speeches of famous men of Pittsburg during
the last twenty-five years as any one man in the vicinity, having also reported
in every court of the county as well as in the United States courts. While
practicing stenography in the courts he read law under Judge Jacob F. Slagle,
and early in 1893 was admitted to the bar. Ever since he has occupied the
office in Diamond street in which he studied for his profession.
In politics he is a Republican, but not a partisan. He has voted with and
supported the Democrats and Citizens as well as the Republicans whenever
he thought that by doing so he could serve the best interests of the community.
He has made numerous political speeches throughout the county, but has
always refused to become a candidate for any office.
246 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF '
Mr. Trautman married Minnie, daughter of George Abel, and they have
one child, Mary Catharine. He is very domestic in his habits, and is devoted to
the study of history and science. He is the possessor of one of the finest
libraries in Pittsburg, including works on history, science, constitutional law,
constitutional history and general literature.
LOUIS SCHNEIDER, of Pittsburg, for thirty-eight years a trusted em-
ploye of the Jones-Laughlin Company of that city, was born April 30, 1835, in
Saarunion, near the dividing line of Alsace-Lorraine, which at that time formed
part of the kingdom of France. Mr. Schneider comes of an old race of farm-
ers. His father, Henry Schneider, a native of Saarunion, received a common
school education, and from boyhood was trained to agricultural pursuits, which
he made the occupation of his life.
Henry Schneider married Katrina Lackreiter, a native of the same place
as himself, and their children were : Henry, who died in his native place ;
Frederick, a brewer, from love of traveling made trips to dififerent parts of the
world and died in Australia ; Charlotte, deceased ; Theobald, also deceased ;
Carl, resides in Alsace ; Sophia, also living in Alsace ; Louis, of whom later ;
George, a tanner, came to the L'nited States with Louis, settled in McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, and died there ; and William, a shoemaker, came in 1856 to the
United States and settled in Columbus, Ohio, where for many years he has
been employed at the Union Station. The father of these children died at sixty-
two, and the mother at the time of her death had nearly reached the age of
seventy.
Louis Schneider, son of Henry and Katrina (Lackreiter) Schneider,
attended school until his fourteenth year, after which he assisted his father on
the farm. In 1854 he came with his brother to the Lmited States, making the
voyage from Havre to New York on the sailing-vessel 'Tron City." They
went to Columbus, Ohio, where they had relatives, but the fever and ague,
which were then raging there, forced them after a four years' sojourn to seek
a more salubrious climate, which they found in McKeesport.
During Mr. Schneider's residence in that city the war broke out, and in
May, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Ninth Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Reserves, Captain Lynch, Lieutenant-Coloned Guderson and Colonel
Jackson commanding. His term of enlistment was for three years, or duripg
the war. The regiment was organized at a camp in Wilkinsburg, and in June
left for the front, joining the Army of the Potomac and participating first in
a skirmish at Trainsville and afterward in the following battles: Seven days'
fight at Richmond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Antie-
tam and Gettysburg. Thence the regiment marched to the Rappahannock
and served with the Army of the Potomac until the expiration of Mt. Schnei-
der's enlistment. He came to Pittsburg and here received his discharge in May,
1864, having been in all respects an exemplary soldier, never in the hospital
and never off duty. At White Oak, Virginia, he was promoted to the rank of
corporal.
After his discharge he settled in Pittsburg, going to work as a laborer for
the Jones-Laughlin Company. In course of time he became boss of a gang in
the polishing room, retaining the position until four years ago, when he retired.
At the time of his marriage he invested the small amount of money which he
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 247
had been able to save in a little home on Cary alley, between Twenty-fifth and
Twenty-sixth streets. Eighteen years after he bought a house on Jane street,
and in 1892 built his present residence on the adjoining lot.
He belongs to Peter Fritz Lodge, No. 486, I. O. O. F., and in national
politics affiliates with the Republicans. He is a member of the German
Evangelical church.
Mr. Schneider married, April 10, 1865, at the German Presbyterian
church, Catharine Rhines, born September 18, 1838, in Monroe county, Ohio.
She came to Pittsburg at the age of eighteen. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider became
the parents of a son and two daughters : George Carl, of Pittsburg, married
Lizzie Bitten; Annie G., and Louisa, married, November 7, 1890, John B.
Holveck, of French descent, children, Amelia, Leona (deceased) and Catharine.
Mrs. Schneider, the mother of these three children, died April 10, 1899, ^"d is
buried in the German Evangelical cemetery.
\\ ILLIAM A. STANDING, of Sharpsburg, well known as the inventor
of the Sectional Compound Gas Heater, was born May 20, 1859, in Pittsburg,
a son of William Standing, who was born in Sussex, England, and in 1844
emigrated to the L'nited States, settling in Pittsburg. His occupation was that
of a florist, and for a number of years he was employed in the greenhouse of
Isaac Pennock. He subsequently worked for others in Pittsburg and Alle-
gheny, and in 1874 moved to Sharpsburg, where in 1897 he went into business
for himself, building the greenhouse on High street, which he still conducts.
He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Standing married, in his native land, Alary Gardner, and the following
children were born to them : Charles H., married a daughter of William
Bright; Albert, married Sophia Seal, of Niles, Ohio; Walter, married Mamie
Schultz, and William A., of whom later.
William A. Standing, son of William and Mary (Gardner) Standing, was
educated in the public schools of Pittsburg and learned the plumber's trade in
that city. He was employed until 1888, when he went to Sharpsburg and
established a plumbing business for himself, which he still controls. Through
his inventive genius he has revolutionized heating by gas, having designed the
Sectional Compound Heater, on which he obtained a patent in 1906. This
heater operates on the same principle as a radiator, giving as mild a heat as
that obtained from hot water and by having a large radiating surface and
utilizing the benefits of combustion uses from one-third to one-half less gas
than an ordinary stove, an ordinary room requiring one hundred feet of gas
each twelve hours. It extracts all the offensive odors and dampness from the
heat, but does not destroy the oxygen in the air.
In the sphere of politics, and also in that of religion, Mr. Standing follows
in the footsteps of his father, voting with the Republicans and holding mem-
bership in the Presbyterian church.
Air. Standing married Amelia, daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Colli-
shaw ) Turner, of German lineage, and they have been the parents of the
following children: Marion, born December 25, 1882, wife of Sample Cridge ;
Alice, born July 21, 1884; Joseph, born January 7, 1886, died in 1892; Frank,
born November 28, 1888; and Gertrude, born May 28, 1897.
248 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
THE WEIBEL FAMILY. (II) August Weibel, son of the founder of
the family in this countn', was educated at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He mar-
ried Katherine Snyder, sister of Governor Snyder, the second governor of
Pennsylvania, elected first in 1807, reelected in 1810 and 1813. Eight children
were born of this union : i. Elizabeth, born August 10, 1762, supposed to have
married a Mr. Benson of Philadelphia. 2. John, born in 1764. died in child-
hood. 3. Katherine, born August 10, 1766, died in childhood. 4. Andrew,
born in 1769, married Mary Smith. 5. Margaret, born December 15, 1771,
married Conrad Grubbs. 6. John, born May 23, 1774. 7. Barbara, born July
17, 1776, married William Stable. 8. Charlotte, born in 1783, married John
Carmichael.
(III) John Weibel, son of August Weibel (11), was the sixth child in
his parents' family. He married Katherine Douglass November 15, 1796. Her
father was killed in the Revolutionary war. The children by John and Kather-
ine (Douglass) Weibel were as follows: i. Anna, born October 2, 1797. died
in 1877; she married John Miller, by whom she had the following children:
Philip, Catherine A., Mary. John W., Andrew, Anna, Charlotte, Margaret and
Eliza. Anna married John Miller, the grandfather of George A. Miller.
(See his sketch.) Charlotte Miller, daughter of Anna W. and John Miller,
married John Cowan, having two children, Angeline and Lenora M. 2. An-
drew, born June 30, 1799. 3. John, born March 16, 1801. 4. William, born
in 1803. 5. Charlotte, born in 1805, married James Young. 6. David, born in
1806. 7. Katherine, born in 1808. 8. Mary A., born in 1815, married James
Terrel.
John Weibel, father of this family, came to Pittsburg in 1790 and settled
at what is now known as East Liberty. After his marriage he removed to
O'Hara township, Allegheny county, where he purchased land from the gov-
ernment and developed an excellent and very extensive farm. He was a great
advocate of the free school system, even long before it was a popular measure.
In his descendants' possession is an article of agreement, dated 1823, in
which, with Charles Abbott as teacher, John Weibel and some neighbors agreed
to educate their children in the English language. John Weibel was a man of
much importance in the count}- and one of the foremost agriculturists. He was
from pure old Swabian German stock and a strong adherent to the faith of
his fathers, the German Reformed, of Calvinistic principles. Politically he was
an ardent Whig.
(IV) Anna Miller, sixth child and third daughter of John and Anna
Weibel Miller, married William Burns, by whom four children were born, as
follows: I. James A., at home. 2. Anna M., at home. 3. Jean M., married
David M. Kirk, of East End, Pittsburg, and they have children : Jean B. and
Robina L. 4. William C, married Bessie V. Patterson, and they have had one
child, Robert P., who died in infancy.
John Miller, father of Anna (Miller) Burns, owned and operated an ex-
tensive farm ; he was also a surveyor and surveyed a large portion of Alle-
gheny county, together with many of the early roads.
William Burns, of Scotch-Irish parentage, came to America in 1849, lo-
cating at Sharpsburg. He was a contractor and builder and erected many of
the best houses in his borough and also in other parts of the country. He re-
tired in 1890. He served iiis borough as councilman, being elected by the Re-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 249
publican party. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church at Homestead, to
which place he removed in 1890.
EVERSON C. HULBERT, city engineer of the borough of Sharpsburg,
was born in Washington county. Ohio, in 1862. a son of Joseph P. and Sarah
A. (Sherman) Hulbert.
Joseph P. Hulbert, the father, was born in Ashtabula countv. Ohio, De-
cember 24, 1834, and was educated in the public schools of Ohio. He came to
Pittsburg in 1855 and engaged as a teacher in the public schools of the Fifth
ward, where he taught one year. He then went to Portsmouth, Ohio, and re-
mained one year, and moved to Phillipi, West Virginia, where he was em-
ployed in a select school, and lemained there until the opening days of the Civil
w-ar, when it became uncomfortably warm for him, he being of the true Union
sentiment politically. He then went to Belpre, Ohio, continuing to teach school
until 1875, when he removed to Marietta, Ohio, having been elected county
surveyor for Washington countv, that state. He held this office six years and
was then elected city engineer of Marietta. This position he held for nine
years — three terms of office. He still resides there and follows engineering
work in general. Politically he is a Democrat, and in church affiliations he is
a Presbyterian,
He was united in marriage in 1856 to Sarah A. Sherman, a cousin of
General W. T. Sherman. Five children were born of this union: i. The first-
born died in childhood. 2. Everson C, the subject. 3. Bradley H., born in
1864. 4. Elizabeth, born in 1867, married Martin Wilson, and they are the
parents of Bernard and Owens. 5. Alary, born in 1872, married Charles Mul-
ler, and they have one child, Catherine, born in 1901.
The grandfather of the subject was Ichabod Hulbert, born in 1800 in
Littlefield county, Massachusetts, and went to Ohio in 1832, settling in Rome
township, Ashtabula county. He was by trade a tanner and shoemaker, mak-
ing boots and shoes from the leather he tanned himself. Later in life he sold
his tannery and applied himself solely to shoemaking. He died in 1853. He
was a member of the Presbyterian church and an ardent abolitionist. He mar-
ried Susan Wilder, by whom the following children were born : Rhoda, Joseph,
Fredelia, Dwight and Everson. For his second wife he married Airs. Nancy
(Muller) Ramsdale. Her children were Emma and Lucile. Everson Hulbert,
son of Ichabod Hulbert, by his first wife, as well as another son, Dwight,
served in the Union army in the time of the Civil war. The former entered as
a private and came out as brevet colonel, and died three months after his dis-
charge.
Everson Hulbert, son of Joseph P. and Sarah A. (Sherman) Hulbert, was
educated at the Alarietta College in Ohio, graduating in 1883. Having worked
at civil engineering under his father, in 1883, after leaving college, he worked
with the Parks Steel Company of Pittsburg for four years and then joined the
W. C. Wilkins Company, an engineering firm, where he received the most
practical part of his profession. He continued with them for seven years, and
in 1894 began operating as a civil engineer on his own account, locating at
Pittsburg. Since 1894 he has been city engineer of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania.
While with the \\'ilkins company he was selected by them to superintend the
construction of the Oliver Coke Plant at Uniontown, Fayette county, Pennsyl-
250 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
vania. He is a member of the Improved Order of Heptasophs lodge of Sharps-
burg, Conclave Xo. 187, and the R. A. Guyasuta Council No. 847 of Sharps-
burg. In politics he is a Republican and in church relation is connected as an
elder of Jhe Presbyterian denomination.
Mr. Hulbert married Jennie A. Johnson, daughter of William and Doro-
thy Allen, of English lineage. By this union three children were born: i.
Bernard, born in 1888, died in 1891. 2. Allen, born in 1891, died in infancy.
3. Dorothy, born in 1894.
ANCEL ROSCQE DUNBAR, of Etna, now tilling the office of city clerk,
was born January 12, 1878, at Bakerstown, Allegheny county, son of Carson
S. Dunbar, grandson of Carson Dunbar and great-grandson of John Dunbar,
who was of Scotch descent, and about 1800 went (presumably from the eastern
part of the state ) to Butler county, where he took up a large tract of land near
what is called Gademill. Of his politics and religion little is known. He was
the father of the following children ; Moses ; Stephen ; and Carson, of whom
later; also two daughters. John Dunbar died about 1825, and his land was
divided among his sons.
Carson Dunbar, son of John Dunbar, was born about 1807 in Butler
county, where he passed his life as a farmer, inheriting a portion of the home-
stead. His share being forest, he cleared the land and made a farm'. He filled
in a highly creditable manner the various township offices. A truly honest
man and generous to a fault, he made many friends. During the greater part
of his life he was a Whig, but later joined the Republicans. He was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Carson Dunbar was twice married, his second wife being Matilda White,
whose ancestors were among the first settlers of Butler county. By her he be-
came the father of the following children : Nancy, wife of John Cowan ; Car-
son S., of whom later; W'illiam, married Nancy Staley ; Bella, wife of Leland
McKinney ; Matilda, wife of John Wise; Hiram, married Mary Brewer; and
Thomas, married Mary Staley. Mrs. Dunbar, the mother of the family, died
in 1887. and the death of Mr. Dunbar occurred in 1891.
Carson S. Dunbar, son of Carson and Matilda (White) Dunbar, was born
in 1850 in Butler county, where he received his education in the public schools
and learned the carpenter's trade. After his marriage he moved to Bakers-
town, where he carried on a large contracting and building business until in-
capacitated by an injury. He was then for two years the proprietor of a tem-
perance hotel at Bakerstown, retiring six months prior to his death. He
belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Bakerstown, and the
Junior Order of United American Mechanics. He voted with the Republicans
and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Dunbar married Catharine, daughter of Andrew Staley, and they were
the parents of the following children: U. Byard, born in 1874, died in 1898;
Andrew C, born in 1876, died at eleven years of age; Ancel Roscoe, of whom
later; and Norman D., born in 1884. Mr. Dunbar, the father, died in 1891.
Ancel Roscoe Dunbar, son of Carson S. and Catharine (Staley) Dunbar,
was educated in the public schools of Bakerstown, and in 1887 engaged in the
insurance business as solicitor, a position for which he proved himself admir-
ably fitted. In 1900 he moved to Etna, still continuing the same line of busi-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 251
ness. In 1903 he was elected by tlie council of Etna city clerk, which office he
still holds. He affiliates with Temperance Lodge No. 453, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows ; Lodge No. 932, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; and
Ethel Rebekah Degree Lodge No. 228. He also belongs to the Encampment
Branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows No. 233, and the Junior
Order of United American Mechanics, No. 278, of Etna. He is a Republican
and a member of the Presbyterian church.
Air. Dunbar married, in 1899, Nettie H. Gray, and they have been the
parents of the following children: Leila Floa, born June 5, 1900; Adah Fern,
born March 7, 1902; Ellen C, born August 24, 1904; and Ancel E., born Sep-
tember 7, 1906, died the same day.
Mrs. Dunbar is a daughter of Henry Gray, who was born in 1850, a son
of Thomas Gray, who was born in 181 7, and was a farmer in Butler county,
a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His children
were : Christina ; John ; Sarah ; Mary ; Thomas ; and Henry, of whom later.
Thomas Gray died in 1889.
Henry Gray, son of Thomas Gray, was a farmer in Allegheny county, and
married Nancy Dobson, who bore him the following children: Sadie D., wife
of Henry Bozett ; Ellen O., wife of Edward Cowan ; Matilda H. ; Rosa ; Nettie,
wife of Ancel Roscoe Dunbar; Belle; Lloyd C. ; Harry T. ; Cameron; and
Dewitt, who died in childhood.
BREWER SCOTT. The late Brewer Scott, a lifelong resident and re-
spected citizen of Pittsburg, was born in that city May 24, 1825, a son of
Thomas Scott, who was born in 1773 in Ireland and about 1820 came with his
father, brother and sister to Pittsburg, settling \vhere Smithfield street and
F'ifth avenue are now situated.
Thomas Scott was a shoemaker, and all his life followed his trade. In
religious belief he was a Covenanter. His wife was a member of the Roman
Catholic church, but in her later years joined the Methodist Episcopal, with
which she was connected at the time of her death.
Thomas Scott married Mary, daughter of Henry Bayner, of Baltimore,
who was of German descent and served in the war of 1812. The following chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott: Jane; Thomas, a local preacher; John
A. ; Brewer, of whom later ; Sarah ; Margaret ; Josephine ; and Walter. Thom-
as Scott, the father, died in 1849. Mrs. Swisshelm, who is held in loving re-
membrance by so many soldiers, was the daughter of his sister.
Brewer Scott, a son of Thomas and Mary (Bayner) Scott, was educated
in the public schools of Pittsburg, and early in life developed a taste for engi-
neering, which he learned in Allegheny. He was subsequently connected for
seven years with the old rolling mill of Allegheny, and for five years was em-
ployed in the Fahnestock mill. He then became chief engineer in the iron mill
of Graft, Bennet & Company, which position he held for thirty-five years. In
1853 he settled in Millvale, thus becoming identified with the early history of
the place, and also with its government, in which he served as burgess, council-
man and school director. From 1890 to 1896 he held the appointment of post-
master of Millvale, resigning in the latter year in consequence of failing health.
He was a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Scott married, in 1848, Mary Martin, and the following children were
232 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
born to them : Winfield, Charles W., Mary E., Jennie and Annie. Mrs. Scott
died in 1861, and Mr. Scott subsequently married her sister, Jane Martin, who
died nine months later. On May 11, 1865, Mr. Scott married Martha Sample,
and they became the parents of the following children : Martha, born Febru-
ary 8, 1866, married, June 14, 1888, Dr. James McCann, of Pittsburg, who died
June 13, 1893, one daughter, Alice M. ; William S., born December 7, 1867,
married Katharine Edlefsen, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, children, Martha E.,
WiMiam E. and Margaret A. ; Sarah C, born November 7, 1869, wife of D. W.
Cypher, children, Grace H., Scott and David ; Brewer, born June 14, 1872,
died in 1873 ; and Daisy A., born August 25, 1874, wife of R. R. Shrimplin,
one child, Robert L.
Mr. Scott died June 17, 1896. His funeral services were attended by many
friends of all denominations, several of whom spoke, paying touching tributes
to his memory. His family has had placed in the church of which he was a
member a beautiful memorial window. He was a man of strong convictions
and deep thought, a faithful friend and a popular and honored citizen.
Mrs. Scott is a daughter of William Sample and a granddaughter -of
James Sample, who was born November 25, 1756, in Cumberland, whence he
came in 1796 to Allegheny county, settling in Ross township, taking land in
compensation for his services as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He built
thereon a number of mills, among them the first grist mill ever erected north of
the Allegheny river, and a distillery, also a snutif manufactory and saw mill,
all these buildings being situated at Gertys Run. He was the second sheriff
elected in the county and was a man of influence and popularity. He was a
member of the Presbyterian church. James Sample married Christina Taggart,
and their children were : Thomas ; Robert ; James ; John ; Charles ; William, of
whom later ; Mary ; and Eliza. James Sample, the father, died at the age of
seventy-six.
William Sample, son of James and Christina (Taggart) Sample, was born
July 28, 1800, and was by trade a miller, owning and occupying part of the
land which had been a grant to his father from the government. This land he
cultivated for fifty years. He served Shaler township in its various offices,
among them that of school director, which he held for twenty-one years. He
was a Republican and a staunch member of the Presbyterian church, in which
he was an earnest worker. Mr. Sample married Jane Anderson, and their
daughter, Martha, was born June 24, 1835, and became the wife of Brewer
Scott. Mr. Sample attained a very advanced age, passing away in August,
1892.
JOSEPPI BARTON, one of Sharpsburg's most venerable citizens, was
born in Pittsburg January 6, 1823, a son of Robert Barton, who was born about
1779 in Dumfries, Scotland, where he received his education and was fitted for
the profession of a civil engineer. After residing some time in England he
came, in 1816, to the United States, settling in Pittsburg, near the spot where
the courthouse now stands. Pie entered the service of James Ross, Jr., a law-
yer of Pittsburg, attending the courts in the capacity of librarian. He retained
this position until 1823. when he moved to what is now Harmarsville, and there
for the remainder of his life followed agricultural pursuits on Deer creek, two
miles from Harmarsville. He was a Democrat politically and was reared in the
faith of the Presbvterian church.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 253
Robert Barton married, in England, in 1816, Marv Perciva!, a native of
that country, liaving been born in 17S7 in Cumberland. Her father accom-
panied her to the United States, but soon returned to his native land. Her
brother Robert, who was a millwright, remained in this country two years, and
then went to Missouri, where he built by contract a large number of mills. In
1849 he raised a company and crossed the Rocky mountains to California, but
after remaining a few years returned to Missouri, where he raised another com-
pany and prepared for a second passage of the Rockies, in the course of which
he died on the mountains at Fort Laramie at the advanced age of seventv-eight.
Robert and Mary (Percival) Barton were the parents of the following children:
James, married Jane ^IcGregor ; William, married Mary Armstrong ; John,
married Rebecca Leitner ; Joseph ; Edward, married Sarah A. Booth ; and
Peter, who remained unmarried. The death of Robert Barton, the father of
the family, occurred in 1849 on the Twelve Mile island, and he was survived
by his wife ten years.
Joseph Barton, son of Robert and Mary (Percival) Barton, received his
education in such schools as his native township afforded, attending before the
public school was instituted, when the teachers were hired by subscriptions.
On reaching manhood he adopted agriculture for his life work. He resided on
a farm near Harmarsville and also cultivated Twelve Mile island, of which he
was the owner. In 1861 he moved to Unity Mills, Westmoreland county, six
miles from Latrobe, which he owned in connection with a large farm, and car-
ried on a milling business and dealt in live stock. He remained there five years,
returning to Harmarsville.
In 1890 he moved to Sharpsburg, where his time has since been occupied
in building on his property and in otherwise developing its resources. In 1893
he sold his farm. In 1842 he made a trip to Texas, and when the Lone Star
state was battling for her independence served in the ranks of its defenders.
When called upon by the authorities, as all men were entitled to vote, he voted
for the annexation of Texas to the L'nited States. His first vote was cast for
James K. Polk, the annexation of Texas being the issue, and he has since voted
for every Democratic candidate for president. He is a Protestant in religious
belief.
Mr. Barton married, January 9, 1847, Ruth A., daughter of John and Sarah
(Hickey) Cready, and granddaughter of John Cready, who settled at Six Mile
ferry on the ]\Ionongahela river and was one of the pioneers of Allegheny
county. Mr. and Mrs. Barton were the parents of the following children :
Mary A., born October 19, 1847, wife of Frank P. Kohen ; Catharine, born
May 9, 1849, married, first, Henry Wilson, second, John R. Hawkins ; John
C, bom November 2, 1850, died November 18, 1862; Charles B., born May
10, 1852, died October 28, 1862; Peter B., born March 6, 1854, died November
9, 1862 : Ella A., born November 9, 1855, died December 31, 1882, wife of John
B. Hawkins: Emma J., born April 25, 1857, died October 27, 1862; Elizabeth
F., born June 29, 1859, wife of H. L. Hetherington ; Anna A., born December
27. i860, wife of James L. Lowry; William R., born September 6, 1863, mar-
ried Mary Glesencamp: Irene V., born ]\Iarch 14, 1866, wife of Cornelius
Casey; and "Emma J., born January 8, 1869, died February 7, 1873. Mrs.
Barton was a Roman Catholic, a member of St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburg.
She died August 6, 1903.
254 ^ CENTURY AND A HALF OF
JAMES A. POTTS, M. D., a well-known physician and surgeon of Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession for
many years, is a representative of an old and honored family, the earlier mem-
bers of which settled in America several generations ago. It is not positively
known whether the family is of English or Welsh extraction, but the best au-
thorities incline to the latter opinion. The grandfather, great-grandfather and
great-great-grandfather of Dr. Potts all bore the given name of Jonas. The
earliest records of the family show that three brothers of this name came to this
country from England, one settling first at Philadelphia, and later at or near
Pottstown, whence it is to be presumed that this town was named in honor of
the Potts family. One brother went south. The third brother, who was the lineal
ancestor of Dr. Potts, located in what is now Washington county, Pennsylvania.
Little is known of the earlier members of the family except that they were en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and were members of the Presbyterian church.
William Jackson Potts was a prosperous farmer of Washington county and
a man of influence in the community in which he resided. In addition to farm-
ing he was extensively engaged in the stock-raising line of business. He was
a member of the Presbyterian church and died at the age of eighty-six years.
He married Margaret A. Ward, who died at the age of seventy-six years, a
daughter of James Ward, a weaver and dyer of Washington county. The
Ward family is of English extraction and settled in Washington county many
generations ago. Mr. and Mrs. Potts had children, i. Reuemah J., married
Dr. W. F. Pollock, of Carson street, Pittsburg. 2. William Jackson, deceased,
married, first, Mary Andrews ; second, Mary Plotts, both born in Washing-
ton county. 3. Jerome, married Elizabeth Stevenson. 4. James A., see for-
ward. 5. Thomas Albert, twin of James A., died in infancy.
James A. Potts, M. D., fourth child and third son of William Jackson and
Margaret A. (Ward) Potts, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
December 10, 1852. His preliminary education was obtained in the public
schools of the county and under special instruction by a private tutor. He read
medicine for a time with his brother-in-law, Dr. Pollock, then entered the Medi-
cal College of Ohio at Cincinnati, Ohio, later taking a course in the Western
Reserve Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio, and was graduated with honor in
the spring of 1879. For a time he was associated in the practice of medicine
with Dr. Pollock, mentioned above, and then established himself independently
at Mount Washington, where he has been engaged in continuous practice since
that time, and has acquired a large and lucrative practice. He is a man of wide
reading and culture and keeps well abreast of the times in every detail in con-
nection with the profession he has made his life work. He is a member of the
Allegheny County Aledical Society, the State Medical Society, the Masonic
fraternity, the Royal Arcanum and the Presbyterian church. He is highly re-
spected by a large class of patients, as well as having won the esteem of his
colleagues.
Dr. Potts married, October 25, 1888, Frances Wilson McGahan, daughter
of Thomas and Sarah (Craig) McGahan, and they had one child, Margaret
Frances, a child of great promise, who died July 19, 1906, at the age of four-
teen years, mourned by a large circle of sincerely sorrowing friends. She had
just passed the examination entitling her to entrance to the high school, and
her record had been an unusually brilliant one, her name standing high on the
roll of honor.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 255
HOMER J. LINDSAY. Tlie late Homer J. Lindsay, one of the officials
of the Carnegie Steel Company, whose business career was remarkable for its
success, which he achieved solely through his own manly character, pluck and
native ability, was born December 7, 1859, and died March 5, 1907. He was
the son of Samuel D. and Margaret A. (Buhoup) Lindsay. Samuel D. Lind-
say, the father of the subject, was born in 1823, and died September 22, igo6.
By his wife, Margaret A. (Buhoup) Lindsay, he had six children, three of
'whom attained maturity, as follows: i. Anna M., who first married John G.
Young, by whom the issue was three children, one died young and the other
two still survive — Margaret H., wife of Howard E. Jeffries (whose children
are Margaret L. and Jane L.), and John Lindsay, unmarried. For her second
husband Anna M. Lindsay Young married John W. Williams, by whom the
issue is Homer Oliver and Robina ]\L 2. Homer J. Lindsay, subject, of whom
later mention is made. 3. Robina S. Lindsay, who married, first, W. E. Dun-
can, whose issue was Edith, wife 'of James ]\IcClure ; secondly she married
William J. Sheraden, who had no issue.
Of the maternal side of Mr. Lindsay's ancestry it may be stated that his
mother, Alargaret A. (Buhoup) Lindsay, was the daughter of John L. and
Mary Ann (Bartelow) Buhoup. Mary Ann Bartelow was the daughter of
William and Christina (Frey) Bartelow. The last named was the daughter of
Michael and Nancy (Howard) Frey. The records at the war department at
\\'ashington show that Michael Frey served in the Third Regiment in the Penn-
sylvania line in 1776 as a private soldier in the Revolutionary war. His name
appears in the list of Captain Greydon's company. The records also show he
served as private in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment and was mustered out
October 17, 1777. The Pennsylvania state records at Harrisburg, the Archives,
Third series, volume 23, page 657, show that Michael Frey served as a private
in James Young's company of the Eighth battalion from Cumberland county
militia, 1779, under Colonel Abraham Smith. Another entry in the records of
the war department shows that he was a private in Captain Jacob Shurtz's
company. First Regiment of Riflemen (Humphrey, Pennsylvania), during the
war of 1812.
John L. Buhoup, the subject's maternal grandfather, was the son of Daniel
or John Buhoup, who was a native of England and came to America at a verv
early date. He was through the entire Revolutionary struggle, and his house
was burned while he was in the Continental army, his wife and familv being
turned out homeless. He also enlisted in the war of 1812-14, either from Lan-
caster or Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into service by
the British from Hesse Cassel, Germany, when but fifteen years old, and was
brought to this country by the English, from whom he deserted December 25,
1776, the third night on guard, and shot his pursuers. He escaped and enlisted
in the Continental army under Washington, serving throughout the struggle
for independence. He died at Lancaster. Pennsylvania, aged ninety-eight
years. The date of Margaret A. (Buhoup) Lindsay's death was in 1905.
Homer J. Lindsay took an unusual interest in his education, and whije
pursuing his other studies he acquired a good knowledge of both stenography
and typewriting, also telegraphy, which branches became very useful to him
in his subsequent business career. AN'ithin the true sense of the term he was
a self-made man, carving out, as he was compelled to, all of his attainments.
He never let any seeming opportunity for advancement escape his notice. His
256 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
truly pleasing, genial manner and general personality, combined with his nat-
ural and keen business sense, won him friends on every hand, and thev were
only pleased to give such aid as they were able.
When eighteen years of age, with many others he applied to Thomas M.
Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist, for a position as tele-
graph operator, which position he filled so faithfully and well that he was soon
given permanent employment and became Thomas ^I. Carnegie's private sec-
retary. In this he proved his efficiency to that extent that he was further pro-
moted. He remained in the Carnegie offices as long as Thomas M. Carnegie
was connected with the Carnegie Steel Company, and upon this change he was
placed directly under the direction of the president of the corporation. At that
date the selling of steel rails was not handled, as now, by the regular salesmen,
but by the president of the company, and Mr. Lindsay was sent out among the
various railroads of the country as the repjesentative of the president in the
business of selling steel rails. He was eminently successful, and one day
brought into the office the largest order for steel rails ever received in the
world up to that date. This masterly stroke was the cause of his being pro-
moted and made a partner in the business, and he was also made the presi-
dent's assistant. From that day on Mr. Lindsay was an important factor in
the great steel manufacturing interests of the city of Pittsburg.
Mr. Lindsay had other ambitions aside from business relations, and found
time to be prominent in many civic and social societies. He was a member of
the Pennsylvania National Guards at the age of nineteen years, being private
in Company K of the Fourteenth regiment. In this he served for eight years.
During Governor S. W. Pennypacker's administration he was appointed aide-
de-camp on the governor's staff, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was
reappointed by Governor Stuart.
Although burdened with the responsibilities of his business position, he
had a reasonable interest in the several clubs of which he was a member. In
Pittsburg he belonged to the Duquesne, Country, German and Oakmont Coun-
try Clubs ; the Liberty Hunting and Fishing Club, the Americus Club, the
Press Club, and the Young Men's Christian Association. In New York city
he was a member of the New York Athletic Club, Transportation Club, the
Strollers' Club and Lakewood Country Club. Like many another intelligent
business man of his times he was much interested in secret societies, and was a
member of the Free and Accepted Masons, No. 378, at Pittsburg ; Allegheny
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; Allegheny Commandery and the Consistory of
Scottish Rites of Pennsylvania. He also belonged to Syria Temple, A. A. O. N.
of the Mystic Shrine, and Pittsburg Lodge, No. 13, Bewevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.
Mr. Lindsay was happily married, June 25, 1890, to Miss Emma K.,
daughter of William and Margaret A. (Merriman) Knoderer. The father was
a native of Alsace, France. He came here with his parents. Christian and
Margaret S. (Wagner) Knoderer, when young. His father was a captain in
Napoleon's army for seventeen years, and in the Russian campaign he went in
with three hundred and eighty-six men and came out with five. He was an
able swordsman, and was severely wounded in a hand-to-hand contest with
three men armed with sabers. He came to this country in 1844, and pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and six acres in Ohio township. His wife was
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 257
born in 1804, also in Alsace. He was born in 1792, and died at the age of
eighty-five years.
\\'illiani Knoderer attended the township schools. At the age of twenty-
one >ears he married Margaret A. Merriman, the datighter of Samuel and
Sarah (Merriman) Merriman, and they had four children, two of whom died
when )oung. After marriage he followed river life for some time, but gave
special attention to his farm later. In 1864 he began to work at the Dixmont
Hospital for the Insane as a general carpenter, and in eight vears was made
superintendent of the farm and all outside buildings. He was street commis-
sioner; was a thirty-second degree Mason and much interested in the Knights
Templar order; and politically he was a Republican.
Mr. Lindsay was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution,
gained through his relation to his mother's ancestors — the Freys. Politically he
was a Republican. In his position as assistant to the president of the steel
corporation he had the management of five million dollars of the trust fund set
aside by Andrew Carnegie for the benefit of employes who met with accidents
in the steel works.
The deceased battled manfully with the disease that could not be conquered
for nine months, and finally passed from the scenes of this world, March 5,
1907.
GEORGE A. MILLER, of Sharpsburg, who has for the last twenty years
been associated with the firm of Vaught Pliilips & Company, of that borough,
was born November 24, 1S60, in Indiana township, Allegheny county, a son of
John W. Miller and grandson of John Miller, who migrated about 1820 from
the eastern part of Pennsylvania, perhaps from Lancaster county, to Allegheny
county. He had a contract for building that part of the old Portage canal
which passed Guarta on the Darlington estate, and after the canal was com-
pleted purchased a farm in Indiana township, on which he lived until 1865.
He then sold the property and moved to Sharpsburg, where he passed the re-
maining years of his life. He was &. very prominent man in his day, a member
of the Presbyterian church, in the doctrines of which he reared his family.
John Miller married Ann, daughter of John Weibel, one of the pioneers
of Alleghen}- county, and their children were : Philip, deceased ; Catharine,
also deceased, wife of Joseph NeiT; Mary, died unmarried; John W., of whom
later; Nancy, wife of James Burns, of Homestead; Charlotte, deceased wife
of John Cowan ; Margaret and Eliza, twins, deceased ; and Andrew. The death
of John Miller, the father, occurred about 1867.
John W. Miller, son of John and Ann (Weibel) Miller, was born Novem-
ber 20, 1823, and was by trade a carpenter. Soon after his marriage he moved
on a farm owned by his father, situated in Indiana township, where he lived un-
til 1865. He then moved to Sharpsburg, where for twenty-two years he worked
as a carpenter and millwright, after which he retired to a small place near
Sharpsburg and there spent the last twenty years of his life. He was a Re-
publican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
^Ir. Miller married Ann, born in England, daughter of George and Ann
Wragg, and they became the parents of eleven children, six of whom died in
childhood. The living are: Ellen J., born in 1852, wife of Joseph Grubbs;
Thomas E., born in 1854, married Annie E. Campbell; George A.; Benjamin
N., born February 10, 1863, married Bella J. Bright; and Harry L., born
iii— 17
2S8 - A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
November 17, 1868. The father of these children died in November, 1906,
and tlie mother survives him at the age of seventy-six.
George A. Miller, son of John W. and Ann (Wragg) Miller, received his
education in the public schools of Sharpsburg, and after leaving school learned
the carpenter's trade. He is now running the machines in the planing mills
of Vaught Philips & Company, having been -in their service since 1887. Like
his father, he adheres to the Republican party. He is a member of Grace
Methodist Protestant church.
Mr. Miller married, October 11, 1883, Louisa M. Klinefelter, and they are
the parents of two sons and a daughter: Harry VV., born January 23, 1885,
married Nellie Mailey, two children, Marie and Thomas ; Thomas A., born
November 15, 1886; and Grace L., born November 2, 1888.
J\'lrs. Miller is a daughter of Thomas and Louisa (Overbeck) Klinefelter.
The former was one of the oldest pilots on the Ohio river, having for forty-
seven years followed his calling on boats running between Louisville and Pitts-
burg. His father, Jacob Klinefelter, was also a pilot before him.
GEORGE WHITEHILL MILLER, a popular hotel proprietor and man-
ager of the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has been a resident of that city
since his birth, and is a representative of a family which has been settled in
Pennsylvania for a number of generations.
George W. Miller, father of George Whitehill Miller, was born in Fayette
county, Pennsylvania. He served his country in a number of public offices,
among them being collector of internal revenues for four years under President
Harrison, and nine years as clerk of the court of Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania. He is a man of influence and highly respected in the community. He
married Belle Collins, daughter of John Collins, of Pittsburg, and they had
children: Samuel S., born February 5, 1869: George W., see forward;
Eugene, born June 15, 1874; Belle, 1876; Grace, 1878; Otlie, 1879; Hunt, 1881 ;
Nellie, 1883; Gertrude, 1885; Charles, 1887; Theodore. 1890; Hazel, 1892'.
George Whitehill Miller, second son and child of George W. and Belle
(Collins) Miller, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1872. He was
educated in the public schools of his native city and at an early age entered
upon his business career. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company in 1886, and by the city of Pittsburg as a telegraph operator in 1892.
He was ambitious, enterprising and progressive, and in 1896 was appointed a
detective. Five years later he established himself in the hotel business in Home-
wood, and is successfully occupied in this line of work at the present time. His
straightforward business methods and thorough reliability have made friends
for him in the business world, and he has the happy faculty of retaining those
whom he has once accjuired. He married Mary Laurie, daughter of Joseph
Laurie.
WILLIAM E. CARRINGTON, for many years identified 'with the brick
masonry and contracting calling in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is of
the second generation of his family in this country, his ancestors having been
English as far back as the family can be traced, among them being General
Carrington of historical renown.
William E. Carrington, father of William E. Carrington, was born and
spent his early years in Cambryshire, England. He was educated in a private
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 259
school in his native town and learned the trade of hedging and thatching. This
avocation he followed until his departure for the United States in 185 1. For
a time he resided in Woodbridge, New Jersey, from thence removing to Nor-
ristown, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in various occupations. For a
time he was a fireman on the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown rail-
road, and during the progress of the Civil war took up arms in defense of the
rights of his adopted country. He enlisted August 25, 1864, in Company A,
One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, partici-
pated in many hard-fought battles, but was fortunate enough to escape with-
out a wound. He was honorably discharged June 28, 1865, and returned to
his more peaceful occupations. For a time he resumed work in the railroad
service, was then employed for some time in a distillery, and finally engaged
in the oil business. He was a staunch Republican, and died Jime 15, 1869. He
married Lydia Golding, a noble-spirited woman, who supported her family by
sewing on regimental garments while her father was in active service in the
field. Their children were: William E., see forward; Anna Maria, who died
at the age of six years ; Alary E., married Elder Macally ; Sarah J., married
Charles A. Johnson ; Clara, unmarried ; Ella, married Charles E. Fell ; Ephraim,
died at the age of eleven years ; George W., married Florence Young.
William E. Carrington, eldest child of William E. and Lydia (Golding)
Carrington, was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1853. He was
educated in the public schools of his native city, and at the early age of eleven
years commenced to work in a factory in order to contribute to the support of
the familv while his father was serving his country on the field of war. At
the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of brick making,
with which he has been identified since that time. He removed to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, in 1898, engaging in brick making and contract work, and he
furnishes work for a number of skilled hands. He has acquired an enviable
reputation in the business world for integrity and reliability, and his business
is in a very flourishing condition. Like his father, he is an ardent supporter
of the principles of the Republican party, and has taken an active part in the
interests of that body. He was committeeman from the Thirty-second ward
in 1906, and has served as school director. He and his family are consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, March 25, 1871, Sarah J. Wilson, born in Valley Forge,
Pennsylvania, and educated there at the Camp school, a daughter of John and
Sarah (Maxwell) Wilson, of whom little is known, as they died when Mrs.
Carrington was very young. She has one sister, Mary _Ellen, who married
John L. McGinnis and resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
"Carrington have had children : William J., a telegraph operator ; Maud Ger-
trude, who died in infancy ; Edward W., married Mary Cugley, has one child ;
Edward W., Jr.; John M., died in infancy; George W., died at the age of five
years ; Sarah, died in infancy ; \\'alter Haynes, a medical student ; Laura May,
died in infancy; Stanley Merrill. All of the sons now living are Republicans.
THOMAS GRUNDY, a well-known resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
for a period of almost half a century, and for the greater part of that time
connected with real estate affairs, is a representative of the first generation of
his family in this country.
26o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
James Grundy, father of Thomas Grundy, was a native of England, and
spent his entire life in that country. He was a hatter by occupation and the
owner of a small hat factory. He married Hannah Sanders, and they had chil-
dren as follows: Elizabeth, married Thomas Palin ; Mary; Ellen, married
William Simpson ; Hannah, unmarried ; John ; James, died in infancy ; Robert ;
Samuel ; Thomas, see forward ; William ; and Nathaniel.
Thomas Grundy, seventh son and ninth child of James and Hannah (San-
ders) Grundy, was born in Lancashire, England, December 22, 1834. When he
was a very young lad he was entered as a student at a pay school, but was re-
moved from this by his father when he had attained the age of seven and a
half years, and placed at work in the hat factory of the latter. There he re-
mained at work until he was twelve years old, when he commenced to attend
night school. He continued these studies about four years, and it may be truly
said that he owes his education to his own efforts in that direction. He soon
became a member of a debating club, which' was of inestimable advantage to
him in developing his latent powers of oratory and served him well in later
years. At the age of eighteen years he commenced a course of theological
studies preparatory to entering the university, and he passed his examination
successfully, but was debarred from entering the regular ministry, as he con-
tracted a marriage while still a student, and this was against the laws of the
order. He was, however, for many years a local minister in the Methodist
Episcopal church. While he was still a student at the night school he was ap-
prenticed to learn the trade of weaving, and upon the completion of his ap-
prenticeship followed this occupation for a period of fifteen years. For about
ten years of this time he held the position of foreman of the factory in which
he was employed. He had read a great deal concerning America and Ameri-
can customs and institutions and was gradually convinced that there was a bet-
ter field for him in the new world than in the old. He accordingly emigrated
to the United States in 1863, settling in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where for
some years he was engaged in various occupations. For three years he was
occupied with farming in Washington county, then returned to Pittsburg and
opened a grocery store in Allegheny City, at the same time acting as general
a.gent of the Merchants' Association of Allegheny City, and at the end of three
years engaged in the real estate business, with which he has been identified
since that time. He was one of the organizers and first stockholders in the
Monongahela Inclined Plane Ra,ilroad Company, which runs up the hill to
Mount Washington, and this has proved a very .successful and profitable un-
dertaking, and it was largely owing to his individual efforts that this enter-
prise was called into existence and maintained until its value became popu-
larly known. He is a man of much progress and enterprise in every direction,
and is noted for his sound judgment.
Mr. Grundy married, first, in England, January i, 1857. -^larv Ann Peat-
field, and had children : John H. ; Eliza, married William ^Iinsinger ; Robert ;
Charles ; William ; Thomas ; Nathan. He married, second, Sarah Ann Grundy,
who died in 1887, and was a widow of his brother. He married, third, 1889,
Emma Myers, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
JAMES J. KENNEDY, who is known as one of the most enterprising
and progressive of the business men of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is a member
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 261
of the well-known plumbing and gasfitting- firm of Stinson, Kennedy & Com-
pany, which has accomplished some of the most important work in its line of
business in the city. He is a representative of a family which has borne its
full share in the defense of the rights of the country which it has adopted, and
traces his ancestry through England to Ireland.
Michael Kennedy, a son of James Kennedy, who was a native of Ireland
and later made his home in England, was born in Ireland and then went to
England with his parents as a young lad. He was apprenticed to learn the tai-
lor's trade and followed this occupation throughout his life, becoming an expert.
He emigrated to America, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he established
himself as a tailor, being celebrated for the excellence of his cutting, and mak-
ing a specialty of custom work. He devoted particular attention to the making
of garments for clergy, and his business in this line was second to none in the
city. He was of a retiring disposition and took no active part in the affairs of
the community. He married Mary Alakin, fourth child and eldest daughter
of Patrick Alakin.
Patrick Makin was born in county Sligo, Ireland, and emigrated to Eng-
land, where he located in Manchester. Soon after his arrival in that city he
was appointed market master, an office he held until 1855, when he resigned
and emigrated to the United States. He settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and en-
gaged in the grocery business with Henry Layman, continuing in this line until
he retired from active business life. He died in 1873 at the advanced age of
ninety-eight years. Like his ancestors, he was a devout member of the Roman
Catholic church. He married Hannah Hart, also a native of county Sligo, Ire-
land, who died in 1871 at the age of seventy-three years, and they had children :
I. John M., married Mary Shanley, of Manchester, England. 2. Thomas, mar-
ried Ellen Farmer, of Cincinnati, Ohio. 3. James, unmarried. 4. Mary, mar-
ried Mr. Kennedy, as mentioned above. 5. Ella, married John Madden, of
Cincinnati, Ohio. 6. Maggie, married Thomas AlcCormick. John and James
Makin, now deceased, and Thomas Makin, who is now living at the Soldiers'
Home in Dayton, Ohio, at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in Company
E, Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the
war. This was an Irish regiment, commanded by Colonel Lytle, and was
known as the "Bloody Tenth." They saw much hard service, and owing to
the large list of killed and wounded in this regiment those remaining were
transferred to the One Hundred and Eighty-first Regiment of Ohio, and served
under General Rosecrans.
Michael and Mary (Makin) Kennedy had children: i. James J., see for-
ward.' 2. John, married Annie Conroy. 3. Martin, married Annie Hogan. 4.
Michael, married Alary Larkins. 5. Sarah Ann, died in infancy. 6. Mary,
married John Groth.
James J. Kennedy, eldest child of IMichael and Mary (Makin) Kennedy,
was born in Manchester, England, March 12, 1849. He was a very young child
when he came to the United States with his parents, and his education was ac-
quired in the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon its completion he found
emplovment with the old and well-known publishing house of Moore, INIillstack
& Keys, located in Fourth street, Cincinnati, and remained in their employ for
almost four years, receiving a salary of si.xteen dollars per week. He then
accepted a position with McHenry & Carson, a leading plumbing and gasfitting
•concern in the same city. He was in their employ until 1871, during which
262 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
time he obtained a thorough and practical knowledge of this business in all its
branches and details. He then became the traveling representative of this firm,
covering the states of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and superintending the in-
stallation of gasoline machines in opera houses, churches, public halls, etc.,
and various other important buildings, among them being Pike's Opera
House. He finally severed his connection with this firm and came to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, April 15, 1871, and entered into a business connection with the
firm of Halpin, Jarvis & Company, one of the best-known establishments in
this line in the city. His first position with them was as manager, and this he
retained until Mr. Jarvis, a member of the firm, retired, when Mr. Kennedy
took his place, and the firm carried on the business under the style of Halpin,
Kennedy & Company. It has been in continuous business for twenty-six years,
and is one of the oldest and most reliable in that section of the state, having
business connections throughout the western part of the state and the south.
On an average they employ about one hundred men, and among the important
buildings in which they have installed the plumbing may be mentioned : Wash-
ington county courthouse and jail ; Fidelity Trust building; the Pittsburg Times
building ; Lewis building ; State building at Polk, Pennsylvania, which is the
state asylum for the insane ; and the jail which is now being erected in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kennedy is also interested in a number of other busi-
ness enterprises, among them a stockholder and director in the South Hills
Trust Company. He is a member of the Catholic church, and has served as
trustee for several years in that institution. He was one of the organizers and
the first president of Branch No. 47, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, of
Mount Washington, was for years president of this corporation, and it is owing
to his individual and strenuous eftorts that the membership has increased
largely and much good has been accomplished. He takes an earnest and in-
telligent interest in all matters that pertain to the welfare of the community,
and gives his political support to the Republican party.
He married, in September, 1872, Mary Nagle, daughter of Jerry and Mary
(Hart) Xagle, of Ireland, and they have had children: i. Mary Belle, born
February 5, 1874, married Alfred J. Fitzgivens. 2. Charles, born November 4,
1877, is a plumber, and married Lillie Ryan. 3. James P., born January 19,
1880, married Annie Smyth. 4. Jessie J., born April 9, 1882, married William
Barr. 5. Eleanor B., born March 4, 1884, died April 19 of the same year. 6.
Oliver L., born June 7, 1885, married Elizabeth Altman, of Greensburg. 7.
William H., born April 10, 1887. 8. Blanche E., born September 2, 1889, died
September 16, 1892. 9. Estella M., born January 20, 1891. 10. Clyde V., bom
March II, 1894.
ANDREW G. SMITH, a well-known attorney of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
with offices in the Berger building, and who has been prominently identified
with some of the important financial enterprises in that city, represents the third
generation of his family in America.
John Smith, grandfather of Andrew G. Smith, was a native of Whitby,
England. He was for many years engaged in the whaling business and had
many exciting adventures while on and near tlie coast of Greenland, whither
his trips were generally directed. He emigrated to America about 1800, and
made his home in Scott township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1822.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 263
There he purchased a fine farm, which property is still in the possession of the
Smith family. He brought this to a high state of cultivation, making a spe-
cialty of the nursery business and fruit growing, and also paying some atten-
tion to general produce. He may be considered the pioneer in the establish-
ment of nurseries in that section of the state of Pennsylvania. He was a man
of influence in his time in many ways, and a staunch supporter of the principles
of the Democratic party. He died in i860 and his wife in 1874, both at an ad-
vanced age, and they were buried in the Bethel Presbyterian cemetery, of which
church they had been members for many years.
John Scott Smith, son of John and Margaret (Scott) Smith, was born
March 27, 1839. He married Sarah Gilfillan, daughter of Andrew and Marga-
ret (Caldwell) Giliillan, the latter born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
Andrew Gilfillan was also born in Allegheny county, and followed the occupa-
tion of farming. He and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian
church. They had children : Jane ; Martha ; Alexander ; Mary Ann ; William ;
John : Boyd : Sarah, twin of Boyd, became the wife of Mr. Smith.
Andrew G. Smith, son of John Scott and Sarah (Gilfillan) Smith, was
born in Scott township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1868. His
preparatorv education was acquired in the public schools, Jefferson Academy
and the Pittsburg Academy. He then took up the study of law under tlie pre-
ceptorship of Hon. Thomas M. Marshall, and was admitted to the Pittsburg
bar September 16, 1893. He immediately commenced the active practice of
his chosen profession, which he continued alone until 1900, when he associated
himself with Major E. L. Kearns, and this partnership continued until 1906,
since which time Mr. Smith has again resumed practice for himself. He is one
of the leading attorneys of the city, and has a large and constantly increasing
practice. His presentation of a case is clear and forceful, and he is an exceed-
ingly convincing pleader. In addition to his legal work he is prominently iden-
tified with a number of financial enterprises. He was one of the organizers of
the Castle Shannon Savings and Trust Company, and is one of the directors
and attorney for the same ; is a director in and attorney for the Mount Wash-
ington Savings and Trust Company, of which he was one of the organizers in
1903: he is interested in the fruit trade of Florida, and is in partnership with
his brothers in the cultivation of an orange grove in that state. His political
affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he has served for a period of
three years as a member of the Mount Washington school board. He is a mem-
ber of the Royal Arcanum and also of a social club.
Mr. Smith married, July 8. 1901. Anna Struss, daughter of Richard and
Dorothea (Reuter) Struss, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and they have had
children: John R., who died in infancy; Dorothea May; and Emerson.
WILLIAM HENRY SIMMONS, of Pittsburg, head of the firm of W.
H. Simmons & Company, prominently identified with other financial and com-
mercial enterprises, was born March 30, 1866, at Cairo, West Virginia, a son of
David Simmons and grandson of Aaron Simmons, and a representative of one
of the old families of Bedford county.
Aaron Simmons, grandfather of William Henry Simmons, was left an
orphan at an early age and was brought up in West \'irginia. He was a well-
known farmer at what is known as "The Cove." He and his wife were both
264 A CENTURY AND A HALF 'OF
of old Quaker stock. Aaron Simmons married Sarah Wilson, and their chil-
dren were : William ; John, married Catharine Heckman, and died at Spring-
field, West Virginia, in 1906; David; Mary, married, first, Simon Showalter,
second, George Tate, of Bedford county; Barbara, married Calvin Brown,
of Dawson, Pennsylvania ; and Ellen, wife of Harmon Clouse, of Confluence,
Pennsylvania. The father of the family died at an advanced age in the old
home where he had lived for more than half a century.
David Simmons, son of Aaron and Sarah (Wilson) Simmons, was born
December 18, 1842, at Whip's Cove. Fulton county, Pennsylvania, and his edu-
cation, owing to the straitened circumstances of the family, was of the most
meager description. He was twenty-two before he learned to write letters,
which he did while serving in the army during the Civil war. At fourteen he
ran away from home to Springfield, West Virginia, where he was emploved by
farmers until the age of eighteen, when the Civil war broke out. He was draft-
ed and assigned to the Thirty-third Regiment, West Virginia Volunteers, in
v/hich he served until June, 1863, when he deserted and made his way north.
While in the southern army he took part in many battles, among which were
the following: First Bull Run, Strasburg, second Bull Run, Antietam, Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg. He was thrice wounded, being shot in the hip at
the second Bull Run, through the foot at Strasburg and through the hand at
Chancellorsville. On the last occasion he was serving as mounted orderly to
"Stonewall" Jackson, who on that day received his fatal wound.
After escaping from the Confederate army he stopped for a time at Spring-
field, West Virginia, and then went to Cumberland, Maryland, where he was
employed in a canal-boat yard. His brother Thomas was serving in Company
B, Third Regiment, Maryland Volunteers, Potomac Home Brigade, and on
March 29, 1864, David enlisted in the same company as a private during the
war. On May 29, 1865, he was mustered out and discharged at Baltimore. He
then returned to West Virginia, settled at Simpson's Station, and for five years
was employed as a laborer by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. He
was then transferred to Conncllsville, Pennsylvania, where he worked fifteen
years, was then sent to Dickerson Run, Pennsylvania, and was foreman on the
Lake Erie railroad until 1897, when he removed to Pittsburg, becoming fore-
man in the coal yard of his son, William Henry Simmons. He is a member of
Post No. 15, G. A. R., and in ixjlitics affiliates with the Republicans.
Mr. Simmons married, in June, 1865, at Buchanan, West Virginia, Lavina,
daughter of James Roche, and the following children were born to them :
William Henry; Alice, wife of Calvin Kelly, of West Virginia; Lottie; Lloyd
A., a blacksmith of Mount Pleasant : and Ira, of Wellsville, Ohio. The mother
of these children died in 1892 at Dickerson Run.
William Henry Simmons, son of David and Lavina (Roche) Simmons,
enjoyed but limited advantages of education, his school attendance being re-
stricted to six months in the public schools of Confluence, Somerset county,
Pennsylvania. When eleven years old he began the study of telegraphy in the
office of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company at Confluence, and at thir-
teen was an operator at the same place. For three or four years he was em-
ployed by the company in this capacity at various places, and at the end of that
time went to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until 1890 as operator and
assistant agent on the Big Four and Scioto Valley Railroad and the Columbus
and Eastern railroad. In 1890 he became agent for the Pittsburg and Lake
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 265
Erie Railroad Company at Monongahela, Pennsylvania, remaining for one year,
and at the end of that time entered the service of the late M. A. Hanna as' coal
sales agent in Pittsburg, remaining another year. He next embarked in the
coal business for himself, conducting it on both the wholesale and retail sys-
tems, and establishing yards at Thirty-fourth and Carson streets. The business
is carried on under the firm name of \\'. H. Simmons & Company. In addition
to his coal interests he is identified with other concerns, being president of the
"Colonial Ice Company, the largest independent ice manufacturing company in
western Pennsylvania. He is also president of the Pittsburg Hose Connector
Company, and of the Pittsburg and Parkinsburg Oil Company, and is now
forming what will be known as the Tri-State Oil Company.
He is essentially a self-made man, his early educational deficiencies liaving
been amply supplied by a store of knowledge gleaned from the best books as
well as by experience of men and things. He is a wide reader, possessing a
well-stocked library and subscribing for the best magazines of the day. He is
the owner of automobiles, finding in their use his chief pleasure and relaxation.
He belongs to Lodge Xo. 11, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and to
the Lotus Club. He is a member of the Walton Alethodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Simmons married, June 21, 1883, at Dawson, Pennsylvania, Margaret
Inks, of that place, daughter of John and Alche Inks, of Connellsville, both of
whom died in the early youth of their daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are
the parents of one daughter, Alche Pearl, who is the wife of Raymond C. Pat-
ton, and the mother of one child. William Simmons Patton, born April 19, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Patton reside with Mr. and Mrs. Simmons.
CHARLES MELLIXG, president of the Birmingham Fire Insurance
Company of Pittsburg, and for fifty-six years a resident of the Twenty-fifth
ward of that city, was bom March 9, 1826, in Grosweiler, Saarbrucken, Rhine
province, Germany, the home of his ancestors for many generations. The
family is of French origin, the race having been transplanted to Germany by
a Huguenot driven by persecution from his native land.
Peter ^Melling, father of Charles Melling. and son of a peasant, Johan
Melling, received a good education in his birthplace, and served three years in
the Prussian army while Germany was resisting the power of Napoleon. Peter
Melling afterward became superintendent of large glass works in his native
place, holding the position thirty years, and having a well-established reputation '
as an expert in the manufacture of glass. He married ^larie Ries, and their
children were: Charles: Mary, deceased; Benjamin, a glass engraver, came
to New York and died there ; George, a gardener, also died in New York ; and
Bertha, residing in Germany. The parents of these children both died in their
native place.
Charles Melling, a son of Peter and Marie (Ries) Melling, was born
IVIarch 9, 1826, in Germany. He attended the parochial school until the age of
fourteen, after which he was for two years a pupil at a private school, at the
same time taking a special course in drawing in order to prepare himself for
the profession of a glass engraver. He was fitted for this calling * the works
of which his father was superintendent. After learning what he could there
his father allowed him to go to Baccarat, France, one of the largest glass man-
ufacturing cities in Europe. In 1848 Louis Philippe was dethroned, and dur-
266 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ing the war that followed the furnaces were closed. Mr. Melling returned
home, entered the Prussian army, and served three years, taking part in the
revolution of 1848-49. After his discharge from the army he went home and
persuaded his father to allow himself and his two younger brothers to come
to the United States. They embarked from Havre, France, on a sailing vessel,
and landed in New York, where his brothers remained. Mr. Melling proceed-
ed to Pittsburg, where he found the times very dull, in consecjuence of which
he was for some time unable to find work at his trade. He went to the South
Side, where the last dwelling and business place were then owned by Mr. Mitler,
who kept a tavern and small brewery. When business was dull and he could
not afford a horse and wagon he peddled his beer in a wheelbarrow. This was
the first place at which Mr. Melling stayed after coming to Pittsburg, and it
was Mr. Mitler who helped him to obtain his first employment, which was at
the Mulvaney glass works on the South Side. Later he was employed in the
Fort Pitt Glass Works and afterward the glass works of Mr. O'Hara. In
1856, when the company sold out, Air. Melling, with the money he had saved,
opened a grocery store on the corner of Fifth and Carson streets. This store
he conducted until 1866, when he sold out and became head of the firm of
Melling, Estep & Company.
in 1 87 1 he sold his interest in the company, and in 1873 became a director
in the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company, an office which he has since con-
tinuously held. Two years later he was elected president of the company and
served ten years. Two years ago the president, Peter Snyder, died, and Mr.
Melling was agam elected to his present position. He lias built considerable
property on the South Side, and has aided in the advancement of the borough,
not only financially but by serving as assessor and treasurer until its incorpora-
tion in the city of Pittsburg. In politics he has always been a strong Democrat.
He is a member of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Melling married, August i, 1853, in Allegheny City, Magdalena,
daughter of Jacob Holtzer, a miner. Mrs. Melling is a native of the same place
as her husband, having been born there July 25, 1830. In 1851 she came to
the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Melling have no children.
JAMES BISSET, JR., a member of an enterprising firm of real estate
and insurance dealers in the city of Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
is a representative of an old and honored family of Scotch ancestry.
James Bisset, Sr., father of James Bisset, Jr., was born af Bell's Hill, Scot-
land, and was employed as a worker in the mills in his native place. He emi-
grated to the United States in 1888. and being an expert in his line of work,
found it an easy matter to obtain employment in various rolling mills in and
near Pittsburg. He married Jessie Pettigrew, also of Scotch parentage, and
they had children : Nellie, married Robert Hazlett : David, married Jennie
Jackson ; Mary, married Charles Reitz ; and James, Jr.
James Bisset, Jr., second son and fourth and youngest child of James, Sr.,
and Jessie (Pettigrew) Bisset, was born in Bell's Hill, Scotland, May 18, 1883.
His education was acquired in the public schools of Pittsburg, and when still
a mere lad he was employed as an errand boy by a mercantile firm of his
native city until he was strong enough to attempt more laborious work. He
then obtained a position in the rolling mills, which he held for four years, saved
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 267
his earnings, and being of a thrifty and economical disposition, they amounted
to a sulificient sum to enable him to embark in a business of his own. He ac-
cordingly associated himself with his brother in a business partnership in 1902
for the conduct of real estate and insurance matters, the firm name being
Bisset Brothers. This was changed to Bisset & Company in 1905, when they
admitted to membership in the firm J. F. O'Donnell. The firm has an enviable
reputation for enterprise and reliability, and is constantly increasing its business
operations. They are the representatives of some of the most responsible in-
surance companies in the country. Mr. Bisset is a man of keen foresight and
sound judgment, and has frequently demonstrated his business ability. His
political affiliations are with the Republican party, in whose interests lie is an
active worker, and is one of the rising men of the Thirty-second ward. He is
a member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity in its various degrees.
Mr. Bisset married, December 31, 1903, Sarah J. Bishop, daughter of
Frederick and Helen ( Alesser) Bishop, of Pittsburg, and thev have one child,
Helen M.
ALBERT YORK SJHTH, an attorney at law in Pittsburg, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, who is now filling a position of great responsibility,
and who has taken a leading part in many important enterprises, is a repre-
sentative of one of the oldest families in the United States.
James York, the emigrant ancestor of this branch of the Smith family,
was born in England and came to this country in 1615. He located in James-
town, \'irginia, and removed to Barrington, ^lassachusetts, in 1635, and later
to New London, Connecticut. He was a farmer by occupation, and possessed
of great enterprise and ability, qualities which seem to have been transmitted
to his descendants with undiminished vigor. He married and had a number
of children, among them being a daughter who married Thomas Stanton, the
first justice of the peace in New London, Connecticut. By other intermarriages
this family is related to a number of the most prominent families in the coun-.
try.
Dr. Ebenezer Smith was born and reared near New London, Connecticut.
He was a well known physician and surgeon of his day.
Rev. Benjamin Smith, son of Dr. Ebenezer Smith, was a Presbyterian
minister of note, and was for a number of years pastor of the Presbyterian
church at \\'esterly. New York. He married Calista Terrill, also of English
descent, and they had children: i. Curtis B. M., see forward. 2. James H.
3. Elizabeth K., married Isaac Jones, a leading citizen of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, who was president of the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and a stock-
holder and director in several of the banks of Pittsburg. 4. Lucretia, married
a Mr. Mncent, a farmer near Geneva, New York.
, "^ Curtis B. M. Smith, eldest child of Rev. Benjamin and Calista (Terrill)
Smith, received his preparatory education in a private school and then en-
tered Amherst College, from which he received the degree of Master of
Arts. He devoted himself earnestly to the study of law and was admitted
to the bar in 1840, and remained in the active practice of his profession until
his death in 1877. He was one of the foremost lawyers of his time in the city,
and served two terms as city solicitor. He married Hannah J. ^^'ashburn,
daughter of John Washburn, a farmer of Hancock, New Hampshire, and a
268 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
relative of Governor Washburn, of Massachusetts, who was appointed to the
United States senate to succeed Senator Charles Sumner. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith were the parents of children as follows: i. Ada C, died in infancy.
2. Francis Washburn, was a member of the Pittsburg bar and died June 14,
1905. 3. Albert York, see forward. 4. Edwin W., born in 1857, is an attorney
at the Pittsburg bar. 5. Ida A., born in i860, died May 29, 1907.
Albert York Smith, second son and third child of Curtis B. M. and Han-
nah J. (Washburn) Smith, was born at Mount Washington, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, January 15, 1854. His preparatory education was acquired in Ayres
Latin School, in Pittsburg, and he then entered Yale University, from which
he was graduated in the class of 1875. For a time he studied law under the
preceptorship of his father, then under that of Major Samuel Harper, who was
at that time register in bankruptcy of the Pittsburg district. Mr. Smith was
admitted to the bar in October, 1880, and began the practice of his profession
in the same month, associating himself with Major Harper, with whom he had
studied. Upon the death of Major Harper he succeeded him in the office of
Register in Bankruptcy, which was made a federal office by the act of 1867,
and has filled this office capably since the time of his appointment. He served
five years as secretary of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and is now
filling his second term as president of the same body. He is secretary and
director in the Pittsburg Banking Company and a director of the Mount Wash-
ington Lebanon Cemetery Company. He is a member of the University Club,
and has acted as a director in that association for the past nine years. He is
also a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the Lnproved Order of Hepta-
■ sophs. At present he is president of the Mount Washington Board of Trade.
He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
He married, October 4, 1888, Amy L. Ayres, daughter of J. J. Ayres, of
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and they had one child : Jeffrey A., deceased.
JOSEPH DUMONT, a well known business man of Pittsburg, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, whose place of business is located at No. 51
Boggs avenue, is of French-German descent on the paternal side, and of Ger-
man on the maternal.
Adam Dumont, father of Joseph Dumont, was a native of Prussia, Ger-
many, where his entire life was spent. He was a slater and roofer by occupa-
tion, and followed this trade until his early death. He married Eva Hynes, and
had children : Margaret, Kate, Mary, Barbara and Joseph.
Joseph Dumont, only son of Adam and Eva (Hynes) Dumont, was born
in Schweich, Trier-by-the-Moselle, Prussia, Germany, October 14, 1861, and
was but nine years of age at the time of the death of his parents. His school
education was a limited one, as he was early obliged to assist in the support of
the family to the best of his ability. At the age of fourteen years he was ap-
prenticed to learn the trade of carpentering and cabinet making, and served
an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked at his trade for an uncle
for one year, and in September, 1880, emigrated to the L^nited States. He
went to Chicago, Illinois, where he obtained work near the city on a farm,
remaining thus occupied for a period of six months and acquiring a good
working knowledge of the English language. He worked at his trade as a
journeyman for a short time, and then removed to Pittsburg, where he worked
/^.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 269
as a journeyman for three years. At the expiration of this time he estabhshed
himself in business, forming a partnership with Frederick Metzer, and this
continued for seven years. Air. Dumont then took charge of the business alone,
the partnership being dissolved, and has since that time been the sole proprietor.
Since then he has added glass and roofing branches, and now (1907) has a
large and constantly increasing business. He has superintended the building
of some of the most important structures in Mount Washington, and his work
is noted for its thorough reliability. He erected a brick dwelling for his private
residence in Boggs avenue, and has a general workshop on the same piece of
property. He is a member and stockholder in the Mount Washington Manne-
chor, and he and his family are members of the St. ]\Iary's Catholic church, in
whose affairs Air. Dumont takes an active interest. Mrs. Dumont is a member
of the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association. In 1903, Mr. Dumont paid a
visit to the home of his birth, also traveling extensively through the other prov-
inces, and of the original family found only one living representative, an uncle,
who has since died.
Air. Dumont married, September 17, 1884, Margaret Davis, daughter of
Paul and Mary (Gannon) Davis, of New York city, both natives of Ireland,
who came to America in i860 and settled in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Dti-
mont have had children: i. Joseph, agent for the Adams Express Company,
married June 12, 1907, Lena Wolfman, of Alount Washington. 2. Paul A., a
carpenter. 3. Elmer, died at the age of four years. 4. Eva, died at the age of
six years. These two children died on the same day as a result of diphtheria,
and were buried side by side. 5. Frank W., a carpenter. 6. Leo P. 7 and 8.
Agnes and Charles, died in infancy.
JOHN WINSLOW JACKSON, of Pittsburg, for many years one of the
city's active business men, but now enjoying the rest which belongs to those
who have placed their names on the retired list, was born July 14, 1844, at
Powersville, Alorris county, New Jersey, and is a representative of a family
v,-hich in its different branches has been for nearly two centuries and a half
resident on Long Island and in New Jersey. The history of his ancestral line
is given below :
(I) James Jackson, founder of the Jacksons of Pittsburg, was born in
1679, on Long Island, New York, whence his children migrated to New Jersey,
settling near Rockaway and Morristown, where they undoubtedly became
farmers.
(II) Joseph Jackson, son of James Jackson (I), was born in 1710, and
was but nine years old at the time of his father's death. Joseph Jackson died
in New Jersey. His son, Stephen Jackson (HI), born in 1744, also married
and died in New Jersey.
(IV) James Jackson, son of Stephen Jackson (III), was born in 1776,
and was a charcoal and pig-iron manufacturer, owning property in different
parts of New Jersey. He and his wife were members of the Alethodist Episco-
pal church. James Jackson married Clarissa Hoff, and their children were:
Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Josiah Canfield, died in 1842, at Rockaway, New
Jersey, aged forty-three ; Charles H., a well-known physician of New York
city, where he died in 1861, aged sixty years; Stephen, of whom later; and
George W., went to California in 1849 '" quest of gold, and, after a visit home.
270 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
was returning in 1852, accompanied by his nephew, Roswell I\I. Jackson, when
he was taken with fever at Panama and died at Stockton, California. James
Jackson, tlie father, died in 1848, at Danville, New Jersey, aged seventy-two
years.
(V) Stephen Jackson, son of James (IV) and Clarissa (Hoff) Jackson,
was born June 17, 1803, in Rockaway, New Jersey, and attended the schools
of that place with but scanty results, being mainly self-educated. He began
life as a worker in the iron industry. In 1848 he moved v\'ith his family to
Coopersville, South Carolina, remaining one year, and then going to Mount
Savage, Maryland, where he was placed in charge of the Mount Savage Iron
Works. These works were the first in the United States to manufacture rails,
the machinery for the purpose being brought from England on sailing vessels.
In 1857 Mr. Jackson went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and there lived in re-
tirement until October, 1865, when he removed to Allegheny City, there mak-
ing his home for the remainder of his life.
While a resident of Morris county. New Jersey, he was nominated for
sheriff, but from motives of delicacy did not cast a ballot for himself, and lost
the election by his own vote. In politics he was a Jackson Democrat, but voted
for Abraham Lincoln, aind ever after was identified with the Republicans. He
and his wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Jackson married, in 1825, Maria Cooke, and their children were:
Louisa Maria, deceased, born October 15, 1827; Roswell M., born June 22,
1829, married Margaret Harmon, of Mount Savage, Maryland, and died in
Stockton, California; Laura C, born in October, 1831, married Thomas H.
Frost, of Frostburg, Maryland, and died in Pittsburg in January, 1900; Joseph
R., born November 26, 1837, in Rockaway, New Jersey, married Winifred
Peede ; Elizabeth A., born in 1842, died in infancy; John Winslow ; James S.,
born August i, 1846, at Rockaway, now of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, mar-
ried, in 1872, in St. Louis, Missouri, Elizabeth Moneghan ; Alexander F., born
January 10, 1849, at Mount Savage, Maryland; and Francis H., born June 3,
1854, at the same place, married Mrs. Nearing, and lives at East Liverpool,
Ohio. Stephen Jackson, the father of the family, died November 14, 1876,
in Allegheny City, and his widow passed away November 14, 1898, in Pitts-
burg.
(VI) John Winslow Jackson, son of Stephen (V) and Maria (Cooke)
Jackson, received his education in the public schools of Mount Savage, Mary-
land, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and in i860 began to work in a rolling
mill in the latter place, remaining two years. On August i, 1862', he enlisted
as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Penn-'
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, and participated in the latter
part of the battle of Antietam as well as the battles of Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville. June 9, 1863, he was discharged at Harrisburg. Returning
to Johnstown, he re-entered the Cambria Iron Works, and in 1865 went to
Pittsburg, where he was employed in the Superior Works, Allegheny. In
1868 he moved to Reading, where he worked ten years in the mill of the Phila-
delphia & Reading Railroad Company, returning, in January, 1879, to Pitts-
burg. He was there emplpyed in the National Tube Works for sixteen years,
after which he took charge of a portion of the rolling mill for the Shoenberger
Company until July, 1900, when he retired. Twenty-three years ago he built
the house which has been his home since the time of its completion.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
Since September, 1869, he has been a member of Lodge No. 62, Free and
Accepted Masons, Reading. In politics he has always adhered steadfastly to
the principles of the Republican party. He was brought up in the faith of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Jackson married, in October, 1878, in Reading, Mary A. Swartz, of
that city. Mrs. Jackson died in Pittsburg March 16, 1887, leaving one son,
John Winslow, who was bom February 17, 1887, and now lives in Sardinia,
Erie county, New York. Mr. Jackson has never married again.
CHARLES KOHLAIEYER. The late Charles Kohlmeyer, for sixty years
a respected citizen of Pittsburg, was born September 3, 1820, in Ogenbaugh,
province of the Rhine, Germany, son of John Kohlmeyer, whose calling was
that of a coal miner.
Charles Kohlmeyer attended school until the age of fourteen, when he
went to work in the mines and labored there until the period of his emigration
to the United States. In 1846 he landed in New York, whence he proceeded to
Pittsburg, making the journey mainly by way of the canal. He obtained work
in the coal mines near the city, and worked there until 1859, after which for a
3'ear and a half he conducted a- small restaurant on Wood street. In i860 he
moved to Alount Washington, where he had purchased three acres of land
facing on Boggs avenue. On this land he built a house, and also erected a
small frame structure which he used as a grocery store. In addition to this
he hauled coal, being the owner of two horses. He worked hard, and in the
course of time was able to buy a tract of four acres, which he laid out in lots.
On these lots he built houses which he rented and sold, thus increasing his in-
come and laying a solid foiuidation for future prosperity. In 1884 he, closed
his grocery business, thenceforth devoting his time to his other interests. In
1888 he built the house which was his home during the remainder of his life
and which is now occupied by his widow.
He was an organizer and director of the German Savings and Deposit
Bank and of the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company. In national politics
he was a life-long Republican, but in local matters an Independent. He was
brought up in the Roman Catholic church, but after his marriage became a
member of the Eighteenth Street Lutheran church, to which his wife belonged.
Mr. Kohlmeyer married, August 7, 1859, Mary, born January 2y, 1834, in
Prussia, daughter of Frederick Rohrkaste and sister of Ernest Rohrkaste, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Kohlmeyer came to the
L'nited States in 1856, under the protection of Mrs. Stolte, a widow, who was
coming to this country with her family. They landed in Baltimore from a
sailing vessel after a voyage of six weeks and three days, Mrs. Kohlmeyer go-
ing immediately to her brother in Pittsburg. Three years later she was married
to Mr. Kohlmeyer, to whom she was ever a helpful and devoted wife.
The death of Air. Kohlmeyer occurred July 19, igo6, when he had nearly
completed his eighty-sixth year. Despite his advanced age and the fact that
the greater part of his life had been spent in hard work and that for twenty-
five years he had labored as a miner, he had the appearance of a much younger
man. He was truly honest and upright, and withal of an extremely lovable
character, kind in disposition and fond of home life. To his widow, his friends
and the community at large his death involved a loss hardly to be estimated and
one which was long and deeply mourned. He is buried in St. Paul's cemetery.
272 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
HEREON G. BRIGGS, M. D., well known as a physician and surgeon in
Pittsburg, Alleghen_v county, Pennsylvania, is a descendant of an honored
family of England.
William Briggs, grandfather of Dr. Herron G. Briggs, was born in York-
shire, England, and came to this country many years ago. He was a man of
means and education and made the voyage across the Atlantic seven times. He
was the owner of the old McClung farm at Brownstown, and died at Webster,
having attained an age of more than eighty years. He married Anne Irells,
also a native of Yorkshire, England, and they were the parents of children :
Thomas; Charles, who was a pilot and met his death by drowning; John, also
a pilot, who met the same fate as his brother Charles ; Frederick ; and Alartin.
Martin Briggs, youngest son of William and Anne (Irells) Briggs, was a
carpenter by trade, but abandoned this in order to engage in the coal business.
His business was largely with the southern states, where his main affiliations
were with New Orleans. He married Caroline S. Snyder, born in Wilkes-
Barre, Pennsylvania, daughter of Nicholas Snyder, a native of Germany, and
they had children: i. Julia A., who married Theodore P. Painter, of San
Francisco, California. 2. William H. 3. Elmer E., who was educated in the
public schools of Pittsburg and the Western University of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated with the degree of Master of Philosophy. He took up
the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John C. Burgher, and
attended a course of lectures in the medical department of the University of
Michigan and two courses of lectures at the Homeopathic College of New York.
He was graduated with honor in the class of 1883. He practiced for one year
in the city of Pittsburg, and for one year was resident physician and surgeon
of the Homeopathic Hospital of the same city. He then continued his practice
in Pittsburg for a period of seventeen years, after which he removed to Watson-
ville, California, where he is engaged in a successful practice. 4. Herron G.,
see forward.
Herron G. Briggs, M. D., third son and fourth and youngest child of
Martin and Caroline S. (Snyder) Briggs, was born in Carrick, November 11,
1864. He attended the public schools of the Second ward in Pittsburg and
entered the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1880, being graduated in
the class of 1884 with the degree of Master of Philosophy. He took up the
study of medicine under the preceptorship of his brother, Elmer E., and then
entered the Hahnemann Homeopathic College of Chicago, Illinois, from which
he was graduated in 1887. He was resident physician in the Homeopathic
Hospital of Pittsburg for one year, then opened an office in Grandview avenue.
Mount Washington, and has followed the practice of his profession very suc-
cessfully since that time. He opened a branch office in the Bessemer Building.
Pittsburg, where he has an extended office practice from two until four o'clock
in the afternoons. He is a member of the following organizations : Allegheny
County and State Homeopathic Medical Society ; American Institute of Home-
opathy ; and has served as vice-president of the Allegheny County Anti-Vac-
cination Society. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Free and
Accepted Masons.
He married, December 12, 1895, Jessie N. Meskimen, daughter of Charles
P. Meskimen, of Pittsburg.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 273
JAMES HILL. Among the men who ranked high in his occupation in
the city of Pittsburg for many years was James Hill, who was connected with
the foundry business and who also became a large real estate holder, by reason
of his frugal and industrious habits which began to develop early in life. He
was born in England in 1836, and accompanied his father, John Hill, to Pitts-
burg when but five years of age. The family located in Pittsburg, where the
father was employed in a foundry for a number of years. Here the subject
was permitted to attend the schools common to those days and when large
enough entered the foundry of Mr. Faber, where he worked until he, with
Frank and Edward Faber, organized the Faber Foundry Company, with which
he was connected until his death in 1877. He had invested his earnings in real
estate, which became quite valuable. He was possessed of great energj- and
good business principles and was conservative in all his methods, saving his
money and with it making good investments.
He was united in marriage- in Pittsburg, May 4, 1854, to Mary E.,
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sloan) Kenneday, both natives of Derry,
Ireland. The subject and his wife were the parents of two sons, Harry E.
and A. L. Thus James Hill made the most of his opportunities, and became a
valuable man and produced staple goods, such as legitimate trade demanded,
at a profit, which allowed him to rear a family who do honor to his name.
WILLI AIM BARKER, JR. The late William Barker, Jr., of the firm
of Bradley. Barker & Company, proprietors of the woolen mill industry of
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, died November 17, 1891. He was a native of
England, born March 23, 1834, a son of John and Mary (Pierson) Barker,
both of whom died in England, never having lived in this country. In 1850
William Barker, the subject, came from his native land to Pittsburg alone.
He had an uncle, his father's brother, William Barker, who had been in this
country several years and was engaged in the wool business. William, Jr.,
remained with him in this business for a number of years, after which he
was emplo}^d with Samuel Bradley in Allegheny City, and later became a
partner in the business, the firm being styled Bradley, Barker & Company.
They operated woolen mills which Mr. Bradley had established as the Bradley
Woolen Mills. Mr. Bradley died in February, 1881, Mr. Barker continuing
the business until his death, in 1891.
Mr. Barker was a director of the Union National Bank for about twenty-
five years, and also a director of the City Fire Insurance Company. He was
a supporter of the Republican part}', and held the office of director in the
public schools for many years, and was a member of the city council from the
Twenty-third ward two terms. In religion he was a member of the Lutheran
church.
He married, March 12, 1863, Harriet, daughter of Samuel and Katherine
(Anderson) Bradley, who still survives him. Of their seven children, six
are now living, as follows: i. William Pierson, who married Eliza Bryant,
connected with the Union National Bank for the past eighteen years. 2.
John Anderson, unmarried, engaged in the hardware business in Pittsburg.
3. Anthony Kilgore, unmarried, now secretary and treasurer of the Forter
Miller Engineering Company. 4. Bradley J., unmarried. 5. Harriet May.
6. Ella Margaret, married Arthur H. Masters.
iii— 18
274 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mr. Barker was widely known and universally esteemed wherever known.
He died at his home in Greenfield avenue, the cause being apoplexy. He left
his office in seeming good health at five o'clock in the evening and died within
an hour.
J. LUTHER LONG, a leading contractor and builder of Wilkinsburg,
was born April 15, 1855, at Freeport, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, a son
of William A. Long, and grandson of John Long, whose children were William
A., of whom later: Mary, died unmarried; John J., married Elizabeth Giles;
Catharine, married first, Samuel Hosey, second, William Lowther ; Susanah,
wife of Thomas Beach; Elizabeth, married Henry Bliss; Margaret, wife of
John G. Townsend ; Andrew J., unmarried. The wife of John Long and the
motlier of these children was Catharine Ashbaugh.
William A. Long, son of John and Catharine (Ashbaugh) Long, was
born June 2, 1820, near Leechburg, Pennsylvania, and received his education
in the public schools. He learned the trade of carpenter, and moved to Free-
port, Pennsylvania, with his father in the year of 1840, where he engaged in
the business of contracting and building. He carried on a profitable business
until about 1887, when he retired from active business. He was a charter
member of the Lutheran church at Freeport, in which he filled a number of
offices. He was always an active worker in politics, and was a Republican.
He died October 10, 1907, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Mr. Long married Elizabeth A. Cunningham, who died December 16,
1869,. aged forty-nine years. The following children were born to them: Isaac
Wayne, married Wilhelmina Schwietering ; John Henry, married Margaret
Poundstone ; William Alonzo, married Melissa J. Meals ; Katharine A., mar-
ried Morgan B. Irwin; Samuel H., married Elizabeth Cruikshank ; Andrew J.,
married Alelissa Smith ; J. Luther, married, Minnie Belle Craig.
J. Luther Long was reared at Freeport, receiving his education in the
public schools, and he learned the trade of carpenter with his father. When
only seventeen years of age he engaged in the contracting and building business
with headquarters at Freeport. In 1885 he built a planing mill, which he
operated until September 23, 1890, when it. was destroyed by fire. In the fall
of 1889 he built a saw mill and electric light plant, and also opened a feed
store, all of which were successfully operated, and in 1890 he established a
fine grocery and general store, which business was continued for several vears.
In i8gg Mr. Long moved to ^Vilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and continued
in the business of contracting and building, with an office in the First National
Bank Building, on Wood street. Fie has built many of the finest buildings in
Pittsburg, East End and Wilkinsburg, including the Ross Avenue I^Iethodist
Episcopal church and the \'\'allace Avenue Baptist church, Wilkinsburg, and
is now engaged in the building of the fine new Methodist Episcopal church on
South avenue, Wilkinsburg. He has just completed a handsome school build-
ing in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
I\Ir. Long is a Republican, and while at Freeport served several years as
a member of the council, being president of the council three of these vears.
He was a member of the Lutheran church and an elder for several years.
Mr. Long was married in 1891 to Minnie Belle Craig. Three children
were born to this union : Ruth Isabel, Helen Lucile and Luther Craig.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 275
JAAIES GILMORE, for many years the representative of a business
which formed one of the commercial landmarks of Pittsburg, but now living-
in retirement on his farm at Ingram, was born March i, 1835, in the family
home on the corner of Wood and Liberty streets, Pittsburg, son of ^^''illiam
Gilmore, who was born in 1800, in Ireland, and was the son of a farmer.
William Gilmore received an excellent education in his native country and
learned thoroughly the trade of a jeweler. In 1828 he emigrated to the United
States and settled in Pittsburg, where he established himself in business, having
his dwelling and store under one roof. In addition to dealing in jewelrv he
manufactured watches and old-fashioned eight-day clocks and also did repair-
ing. In this line of industry Mr. Gilmore, John McFadden, \Mlliam Perkins
and a few otli^rs were pioneers. In 1850 Mr. Gilmore turned the business
over to his two sons. In 1842 he purchased a forty-acre farm, a part of which
is now in the borough of Sheridan, and on this land he erected a beautiful
home. In 1853 he transferred his place of residence from the city to this
estate, making it thenceforth his permanent abode during the remainder of his
life.
He served as a member of the council and for many years was an old
Jackson Democrat. At the outbreak of the Civil war he became a Republican,
but in regard to this transference of allegiance always said : "I did not leave
my party: my party left me." He was a devout member of the United
Presbyterian church.
William Gilmore married, in Ireland, Elizabeth Brooks, whose brothers
came to this country and settled in Oxford, Ohio. Mr. and Airs. Gilmore were
the parents of three children; John, died unmarried in 1861; Margaret A.,
died in 1902, the wife of William Corbett, of Sistersville. West \"irginia ; and
James, of whom later. Mrs. Gilmore died in 1837, and her husband survived
her many years, his death occurring in 1881. He was a man of sterling worth
and sound judgment, ever ready to oblige his friends and abounding in acts
of kindness toward all.
James Gilmore, son of William and Elizabeth (Brooks) Gilmore, received
his education in the old Third ward school on the corner of Cherry and
Diamond alleys, his preceptors being Isaac Whittier and Air. Hector Suther-
land. \\'hile still a boy he began to render assistance in his father's store, at
the same time acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business. Upon the
retirement of his father he and his brother became proprietors of the establish-
ment, conducting it together for eleven years. In 1861 the death of his brother
left Air. Gilmore sole proprietor, and under his skillful management the business
not only maintained its former high standing, but advanced and increased. In
1874 he retired to his farm.
In the sphere of politics Mr. Gilmore adheres to the doctrines of the
Republican party. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church
of Ingraham.
Mr. Gilmore married, in 1866. Carrie. Ixirn in Buffalo, daughter of George
Skinner, a pioneer cracker manufacturer of Pittsburg, whither he came when
his daughter was still a child.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore are the parents of the following children • W S..
clerk in the recorder's office ; Alargaret A., stenographer for the American
Sheet Steel & Tin Plate Company ; Carrie J., wife of Andrew W. Strouss, of
276 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Bellevue, Pennsylvania; Jessie A., wife of Frank M. Rinaman, of Pittsburg;
and Mattie B., at home.
ERNST OTTO PLANETZER, a leading baker of the South Side, was
born March 13, i860, in Saxony, Germany, a son of David Frederick Planet-
zer, also a native of Saxony, and a man of prominence in his town, conducting
a store and operating a stone quarry. He died in 1866, leaving the following
children: Frederick, who came in 1880 to the United States, worked in a mill
at Turtle Creek, Allegheny county, married Carolina, Meuske, and died in
1881 ; Ernst, who died in 1868, in Germany; Gustav, who died in Germany;
Henry, who came to the United States but returned to his native land, where
he now lives ; and Ernst Otto.
Ernst Otto Planetzer, son of David Frederick Planetzer, was left an
orphan at the age of six and was brought up by a family of the name of
Yening, who sent him to school until the age of fourteen, and also gave him
instructions in rope-making. He followed this trade until 1881, when he
emigrated to the United States, making the voyage from Bremen to Baltimore
on the ship "Frankfort." He settled at Turtle Creek, and being unable to
obtain employment at his trade, worked one year in the steel works. At the
end of that time, being dissatisfied with the condition of things, he decided to
return to Germany, and purchased his return ticket but was persuaded by
friends to remain. He came to Pittsburg and learned his present business in
the bakery of Henry Meuske on Bingham street. South Side, serving two years
and a half. In 1884 he went into business for himself on Penn street, between
Eleventh and Twelfth streets, and at the end of a year moved to South street,
where he rented a place for four years. In 1889 he erected his present place
of business, a three-story structure, forty-eight by one hundred and twenty
feet. He conducts the largest baking business in that part of the South Side,
his success being entirely the result of his own imaided elYorts, enforced by
indomitable perseverance and habits of thrift. He is held in esteem by his
neighbors not only as a business man but also as a citizen.
Mr. Planetzer married, in 1884, in the German Lutheran church on
Eighteenth street, Eliza Eud, a native of Prussia, who died in 1892. leaving
two sons : Ernst Otto, a student at St. Vincent's College, and Henry L., at
home. In 1892 Mr. Planetzer married Elizabeth Appryl, of Pittsburg, who
bore him four children : Aloisius, Marie, Clara and Loretto. Mrs. Planetzer
died in 1902. The third and present wife of Mr. Planetzer was Margaret
Fisher, by whom he has become the father of three children : Anthony, Mary
and Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Planetzer are members of St. Peter's Roman
Catholic church.
Mrs. Planetzer is a daughter of Andrew Fisher, who was born in Ger-
many, and coming to the United States settled in Butler, Pennsylvania. He
married, in 1870, Ellen Beck, a native of that place. Their daughter Margaret
was born there, and was eight years old when her parents moved to Braddock,
where she was educated in parochial schools and became the wife of Ernst
Otto Planetzer.
JOHN COWLEY, a native of Pittsburg, and thus far a life-long resident
of that city, where he has been for many years actively engaged in business,
was born May 22, 1848, a son af Samuel Cowley, who was born about 1800
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 277
in Belfast. Ireland, and was by profession a civil engineer. About 1832' he
emigrated with his wife and two children to the United States, taking up his
abode in Pittsburg. Shortly after his arrival his sight became impaired, ip
consequence of which he was forced to abandon his profession. He turned his
attention to the draying and teaming business, beginning in a small way and
achieving a fair measure of success. He was the first to adopt the old-fash-
ioned, two-wheel, long-tailed dray, which came into vogue at that period,
having at one time twenty or thirty such teams. He continued in the business
until, the Civil war broke out, when he purchased a house on Troy Hill, and
there passed the residue of his days.
Samuel Cowley married Jane Thompson, who was born in 1806, in the
townland of Eransdale, parish of Doumberbrong, county Down, Ireland, and
they were the parents of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity: i.
David, deceased, born in Ireland, graduated from the Philadelphia Medical
College, practiced some years in' that city and the last twenty-five years of
his life in Pittsburg, . where he was very successful. He married Maggie
^lowry, also deceased, and of their eight children four are living: William,
David, Alargaret and Eliza. 2. William, born in Pittsburg, as were his
3'ounger brothers and sisters, was connected with the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne
Railroad. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and
Twenty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania \'olunteers, and died of fever while in
the service. 3. Margaret, deceased, married, first, Lyman Hacks, second,
James Hamilton, now deceased. By her second marriage she left two children :
Frederick and James. 4. Alexander, deceased, was professor of penmanship
in the Iron City College for many years. He married Jennie Buchanan, also
deceased, one child, Jennie. 5. Eliza, widow of A. Tedoux, three children :
Amierl, Reta and Clementine. 6. Samuel, married a Miss Laturner and has
one child, Maud. 7. John. The parents of these children both died in Pitts-
burg, the father passing away about 1873, and the mother surviving to the
great age of ninety-two.
John Cowley, son of Samuel and Jane (Thompson) Cowley, received a
common school education in Pittsburg, and then served an apprenticeship to
the plumber's trade with the firm of Taite & Seville. At the expiration of his
time he went west and spent two years in that part of the country, engaging in
mining and other occupations. In 1872 he returned to Pittsburg and there
followed his trade for one year, at the end of that time establishing himself in
his present business, which he has conducted very successfully to this day.
Mr. Cowley married, in January, 1875, Mary Carver, a native of England,
and they have been the parents of seven children, three of whom are living,
all having been born in Pittsburg: Mary, wife of Rolf Marthens, of Pittsburg,
and they have one child, John Marthens Cowley; Earnest R. and Alexander T.
FREDERICK NOLTE, who has resided sixty-four years on the South
Side, and is to-day one of the oldest men living within the limits of the city
of Pittsburg, was born May 31, 1817, in Essen, Germany, and passed the first
twenty-six years of his life in his native land. In the spring of 1843 he emi-
grated to the United States, taking passage on an old-fashioned two-masted
ship which landed him in Philadelphia after a voyage of eight weeks. From
Philadelphia he at once set out for Pittsburg, the journey occupying fourteen
278 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
days. Mr. Nolte has a vivid recollection of the many difficulties encountered
while making a trip across the country in those remote days. He came on a
towboat up the Pennsylvania Central canal as far as the Allegheny mountains,
where the boats were divided in tv^'O and hauled up and down inclines over the
mountains and taken through tunnels until Johnstown was reached. There
the boats were again launched to resume the water journey to Pittsburg.
The first position Mr. Nolte obtained was on a farm owned by Joseph
Lawrence, on Mount Washington. He remained there two years, during which
time the Pittsburg fire occurred. In speaking of this event, he said : "I was
ploughing up a pasture field when a man named William Obie came to the
fence and shouted to me to put away the team as the town was on fire. I
watched the fire for several hours. It was the greatest I ever saw or want to
see." Shortly after the fire he left the farm and went to work in the coal mines.
In the Blossomville mine, a short distance this side of Six-Mile ferry, where
he was for a time employed, the vein was so thin that dogs had to be used
to haul out the coal. He later worked in a mine at Williamsburg, near the
city limits, operated by William Stone. In 1853 he was appointed street com-
missioner for Birmingham borough at the time John Lautz was appointed
burgess. After the expiration of his term he obtained employment in the
Jones & Laughlin coal mine at the head of South Twenty-eighth street, where
he worked until the mine was closed down in 1885. The last work he did in
this mine was directly under the Agnus glass-house, which was situated on
the Brownsville road and was razed some years ago.
Mr. Nolte is not only one of the few remaining old Pittsburgers who
remember the great fire of 1845 but he has watched the growth of the South
Side almost from its rural infancy, and the many incidents which he still-
retains in his memory in relation to its development are not only interesting
but also very instructive. Despite his advanced age his faculties are not in
any way impaired. His mind is clear and keen and his step is as vigorous as
that of many men several years younger than he. So excellent is his sight that
he can read a paper without glasses.
JOHN GRIPP. The late John Gripp, who departed this life December
14, 1898, was born in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1856, the
son of John C. and Elizabeth Gripp, natives respectively of Prussia and Alsace-
Lorraine. The father emigrated to America when a young man and followed
the trade of a boilermaker, having charge of the Thomas Thorn's works for
many years. At one time he was foreman of the Pennsylvania Railroad Car
Works'. He died in 1873, and his wife died in 1893. Their family consisted of
ten children: Catherine, who married David Brubach, of Allegheny City;
Sophia, who married Henry Reismeyer, a grocer of Pittsburg ; Louisa ; Eliza-
beth, who married John KJeppner; Jacob, a boilermaker; Charles, who had a
twin sister, and was a brass finisher ; John, of this notice, and his twin sister,
who died in infancy ; and Frank, who died of smallpox, aged ten years.
John Gripp, the subject of this memoir, was educated in the German
schools and in the graded and high schools of Pittsburg. He was first employed
as a clerk in the office of Mr. Krueter, a magistrate of the Third ward. Later
he served in the same capacity under Magistrate Burke. Subsequently he was
a clerk in the registry department of the Pittsburg postoffice, from which posi-
JOHN GRIPP.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 279
tion he was promoted to superintendent. He relinquished this position to
accept a clerkship with Mayor Andrew Fulton, and the following year was
elected alderman. He served ably and was re-elected twice, being endorsed
by all political parties at his last election, thus showing his popularity and true
fitness for the position. While he was serving as alderman he was elected
deputy mayor under Mayor Fulton, and after the passage of the new city
charter he was appointed magistrate, which office he held for five years. Dur-
■ ing the labor riots and disturbances he did much toward bringing about peace-
ful settlement between the elements, and his disposal of the cases of many
parties charged with rioting was fully sustained by the supreme court. Politi-
cally Mr. Gripp was a staunch Republican, and was very active and prominent
in that organization as a stalwart leader. He served as chairman and secretary
of the executive committee in the city of Pittsburg and was delegate to numer-
ous state and national conventions. He was register of wills and deeds of the
orphans' court. On account of illness he tendered his resignation to Governor
Hastings November 21, 1898. The dates of his various official terms were as
follows: He began his first clerkship in 1874; commenced his term as alder-
man in May, 1885; began as clerk of the orphans' court January i, 1897; and
w-as member of the select council from 1883 to 1885. He belonged to the Pitts-
burg Council, Order of American Mechanics ; the Royal Arcanum ; the Macca-
bees, and the Protective Home Circle. He was a member of the German
Lutheran church.
May I, 1884, Mr. Gripp was united in marriage to Emma C. Wack, of
Rochester, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. The children of this union were :
Corenna W., Raymond and John. The last named died in November, 1892,
aged seven years. Mr. Gripp was ill in all about two years, and finally died
of heart failure, aged forty-two years.
Of Mrs. Gripp's parentage it may be stated here that she is the daughter
of Christian and Catherine (Strohecker) Wack, the father a native of Germany
and the mother of Pennsylvania. The father was a member of the famous
religious colony at a point on the Ohio river in Beaver countv, Pennsylvania.
This society was founded by Father George Rapp in 1805, and was known
as Harmony Society and sometimes called Economy. It was established by
Germans as a colony. Here a goodly village was built and various manufactur-
ing interests carried on extensively, including the manufacture of silk (the
first made west of the Allegheny mountains), also cotton and woolen goods,
wines, whisky and lumber. The tract of land owned by this colony comprised
some four thousand acres. In 1831, "Count Maximilian De Leon" and his
colony from Frankfort-on-the-Main united with this colony, but later withdrew
and sought to establish a separate one, which failed in a year or so. These
colonies were near the present town of Phillipsburg or Alonaca, in Beaver
county. Christian Wack married Catherine Strohecker, and they were the
parents of four children, including Mrs. John Gripp of this sketch. The grand-
father Strohecker came from Germany when he was about ten years of age,
and lived in Beaver countyf
ROBERT MOLL. The late Robert Moll, of Pittsburg, a well-known boss
steel melter in the service of the Singer-Nimick Steel Company, was born
September 14, 1834, in Baden, Germany, a son of Lawrence Moll, and grandson
of Lawrence Moll, who held the office of burgess in his native town.
28o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Lawrence Moll was a brick manufacturer, and in 1847 emigrated to the
United States, landing in New York and thence making the journey to Alle-
gheny City by way of the canal, Buffalo and the lakes. He was taken ill
during the voyage and died six weeks after his arrival in Allegheny City. He
married Francesca Saladine, whose family were from the Rhine country, and
the following children were born to them : Robert, Julianna, wife of John
Linsler, of AlcKee's Rocks ; and Mary L.. who died at sixteen.
Robert Moll, son of Lawrence and Francesca (Saladine) Moll, attended
school in Germany until the age of thirteen, making good progress in his
studies, for he was an apt pupil. After the death of bis father he was forced
to seek work, and found employment in the brick-yard of Stephen Fisher,
which was situated where the King pickle factory now stands. The wages were
small, and after a time he went to work in the iron mills of the Schoenbergers,
where he soon became an expert. In 1857 he entered the service of the Singer-
Nimick Company, now included in the United States Steel Company, beginning
as a helper to the steel melters. In 1858 he became boss steel melter, a position
which he retained to the close of his life. Much of the success of the company
was attributed to Mr. Moll's faithfulness and his steadfast devotion to the
interests of his employers, who honored him with their high esteem. At the
beginning of the Civil war he melted the metal for the first steel cannon for
the Union army, being assisted in the work by twenty men. In 1869 he moved
to the home on Sarah street, where he died and where his widow now resides.
In addition to this house he built two adjoining and also erected a structure
in the rear.
He was always a staunch Democrat, and in one campaign, when a sign
was put up in the mills giving notice of the discharge of old men who refused
to take part in the parade of the opposite party, he, with a few others, left
work. His employers sent for him and told him to go to work, adding that he
was "made of the right stuff." He was at first a member of St. Mary's Roman
Catholic church, Allegheny, but after his marriage joined St. Philomina's
church, corner of Liberty and Fourteenth streets.
Mr. Moll married, June 7, 1859, at St. Philomina's church, Caroline Hogl,
and the following children were born to them: i. Joseph, died at thirty-nine,
attended St. Michael's parochial school, and at thirteen entered college at
Dayton, Ohio. After graduating he became bookkeeper for Attorney Lutty
and Squire Milligan. At twenty-one he entered the service of the Singer-
Nimick Steel Company, and remained there as bookkeeper until his death. He
married Rose Hannen, and their children were: Norbert R., Laura Olivia,
Caroline Grace and Mary Joseph. 2. John Lawrence, died at thirty-nine,
unmarried, was employed in a glass factory. 3. Rosa Martha, born April 21,
1867, was educated in parochial schools and in music, and taught music many
years. She is the wife of Frank F. Walker and the mother of four children,
Marcella Marie (deceased), Martha Margaret, Frances Cecilia and Clara
Victoria. 4. Michael Alphonse, born 1869, was educated in parochial schools
and is a prominent merchant on the South Side. He married Caroline Burk-
hart, and they have had three children: Florentine (deceased), Catharine and
Michael. 5. Robert M., born 1871. attended parochial and public schools and
graduated from commercial college. Fie is now head bookkeeper for the
Independent Brewing Company, Homestead. 6. Margaret, born 1873, <^'f<^
1903- ^ " ■ .
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 281
Mr. Moll died in 1875, at the comparatively early age of forty-one. He
was a man admirable in all the relations of life, and was deeply and sincerely
mourned by all to whom he was known. He is buried in the cemetery of St.
Michael's church, of which he was a member when living on the South Side.
Jklrs. Moll is a daughter of Frank Hogl, who was born in Bavaria, Ger-
many, and became a brewer. About 1852 he came to the United States,
embarking at Havre, France, on the sailing vessel "Hurlbut," the second
■largest vessel then afloat, and landing in New York after a voyage of seven
weeks. He settled in Pittsburg and was first employed in Bireline's brewery,
afterward working in the Benitz brewery, of which the Iron City Brewery is
an outgrowth. In i860 he established a brewery at the head of Eighteenth
street. South Side, on the Brownsville road.
Frank Hogl married Francesca Huber, and their children were: i. John,
born in 1827, died in 1897, in Greensburg, where he was a prominent brewer.
He married Anna Neumeyer. 2. Crezentia, born in 1830, died in 1-893, ™
Butler county, wife of George Fisher, one of the first brick manufacturers on
the South Side. 3. Frances, born in 1833, wife of Caspar Riddle, of Wheeling,
West \irginia. 4. Michael, born in 1834, died on the South Side, aged sixty-
two, married Rosina Flick. 5. Joseph, farmer in Minnesota, married Mary-
Thicken. 6. Caroline, born April 7, 1838, in Bavaria, was fourteen years old
when the family came to the L'nited States. She became the wife of Robert
Moll.' 7. Frank, deceased. The death of Mr. Hogl, the father, occurred in
i860. He was succeeded in business by his sons.
JOSEPH L. W'EST, of Pittsburg, a representative of that German-
American element which has done so much for the upbuilding of the city, was
born July 23, 1844, in Summit township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, a son of
Ulrich West, who was born in August, 1816, in Wurtemberg, Germany, his
parents being natives of the same place.
The father of Ulrich West was a blacksmith and served in the German
army. In 1824 he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York and
thence proceeding to Clarion county, Pennsylvania, where he bought a farm in
what was called the "Cap" settlement. Thenceforth he turned his attention to
agriculture, but at the same time continued to work at his trade. His death
was the result of an injur}- inflicted by an unrtily horse. He was the father of
the following children, all of whom were born in Germany and brought by
himself and wife to this country : Aldinger, Ulrich and Peter, who became
the owner of a large farm and livery stable in Clarion county, where he died.
Ulrich West, son of the emigrant, was eight years old when his parents
landed in New York, and he grew up on the home farm in Clarion countv.
He acquired from his father much knowledge of the blacksmith's trade, but
made agriculture his life-work. When a young man he went to Butler county
and settled in Summit township, the latter years of his life being spent in
Butler, in the same county. He served several terms as constable and street
commissioner of this town, and in politics was a life-long Democrat. He and
his wife were members of the Roman Catholic church.
Ulrich West married, in Butler county, Barnhart Ena Eyth, and their
children were: Elizabeth, wife of Wallace AlcOuiston, died in Butler countv;
282 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Joseph L., of whom later ; John, who served eighteen months in the Seventh
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, married
Mary Bond and resides in Butler ; Jacob, married Mary Collins, and died in
1907, in Bradford, Pennsylvania; and Margaret. The mother of these children
died about 1892, and the death of the father occurred about '1901.
Joseph L. West, son of Ulrich and Barnhart Ena ( Eyth ) West, received a
limited education, being able to attend school only three months annually, and
during that time being frequently kept at home on account of the distance and
the inclemency of the weather. At the age of ten he left school and worked
on his father's farm until the outbreak of the Civil war. On August 23, 1861,
he enlisted at Butler as a private in Company I, Seventh Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Cavalry, Captain C. C. Davis and Colonel George E. Winecoop
commanding. Plis enlistment was for three years or during the war, and he
served in Wilson's Second Cavalry Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland,
fighting at Severden's Cove, East Tennessee, Perrysville, Kentucky, Stone
River," Shelby ville Farm, Chattanooga, Reed's Bridge and throughout the
Atlanta campaign. He also participated in the second battle of Nashville and
in the engagement at Selma, Alabama. At the latter place the regiment
received the news of Lee's surrender, and, in connection with the Fourth
Michigan Volunteers, captured Jefferson Davis ninety miles from Macon. It
will thus be seen that Mr. West served throughout the conflict, having
reenlisted in 1863 at Huntsville, Alabama, in the same company and regiment.
During the whole period of his service he had but one furlough, and that of
thirty days, which he spent at home. In 1864 he was made sergeant of his
conipanv at Macon, Georgia. He had many hair-breadth escapes, lost not one
day by sickness, and missed but one roll-call, being in all respects an exemplary
soldier. At the close of the war he returned home and shortly after went to
Pittsburg, where he was employed as a laborer in the Jones-Laughlin mill,
afterward being promoted to the position of puddler, which he retained until
three year*, ago, since which time he has been employed in the rolling mill of
the Republic Iron Works. He has always adhered to the Republican party
and is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. West married, September 28, 1867, in Pittsburg, Mary, born in
1845, at Brownsville, daughter of Charles and Susan (Trussel) Gue, and the
following children have been born to them: Gertrude Cecilia, wife of John
Johnsonl^ of Sheridan borough ; Mary, wife of Thomas Low, of Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania ; Stella C, wife of George Winwood, of Mount Washington ;
Celesta B., wife of Thomas O'Laughlin, of Pittsburg; Maggie D., wife of
Christopher Miller, of East Liberty; Joseph J., of Pittsburg, married Agnes
Aultman ; Hazel, married P. M. Conway, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania ; Leah
Elizabeth, wife of John Cumpton, of Pittsburg; and three who died in child-
hood. Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Low, Mrs. Winwood and Mrs. Conway are all
the mothers of families.
The prosperity which Mr. West now enjoys is the result not only of
ability in his calling but of life-long habits of thrift. While in the army he
saved money, and during the two years immediately following the close of the
war was able to lay aside enough to make it possible for him at the time of his
marriage to purchase a home on a partial payment. Now (1907) he can, if
he wishes, lead a retired life.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 283
BERXHARD SCHMID. The late Bernhard Schmid, a veteran of the
Civil war and for more than forty years a resident of Pittsburg, was born
May 12, 1829, in Bubenbach, Baden, Germany. He received the education
usually given to German boys in his rank of life, and grew to manhood on a
farm. On March 28, 1851, he embarked for the United States, and on May
12 landed in New York, a poor young man. He went to the west, where for
a time he worked on farms for a monthly compensation of a few dollars. He
"afterward learned bottle-blowing and followed the trade at St. Louis, Missouri.
Finally he came to Pittsburg, settling on the South Side, and securing work
in the Cunningham glass factory.
On September 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-fourth Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for three years, or during the war.
Captain Carl \'eitenhemies commanded the company, which participated in
the following battles: One in \'irginia, June 8, 1862; Freeman's Ford, Vir-
ginia, August 22, 1862; Sulphur Springs, \'irginia, August 24, 1862; Waterloo
Bridge, August 25, 1862: Bull Run, Virginia, August 29-30, 1862; Chancel-
lorsville, Virginia, May 2-3, 1863; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1-2-3, 1863;
Jones's Island, South Carolina, February g-io-ii, 1864; James Island, South
Carolina. ^lay 22, 1864; and another engagement at the same place July
2-3-4, 1864. During this time he had many narrow escapes from death. A
bullet pierced the tin cup which he carried, the fact being unknown to him
until revealed by the leaking of the cup when next filled with water. His
brother-in-law, Gustave ShafT, was severely wounded in battle, and Mr.
Schmid led him into the river up to his neck, until finally forced to seek the
bank, where he had to leave him on the approach of the Confederates. After
laying Shaflf on the bank and telling him to feign death should the enemy
draw near Mr. Schmid made good his escape. The Confederates came and
ShafT heard them say in passing when they perceived him, that there was
another dead "Yank." Mr. Schmid was taken prisoner in A'irginia and was
confined in Andersonville prison until released in exchange. His sufi^erings
as a prisoner were very great. When captured he had eighty-five dollars in
his clothes, forty-five of which he had sewed into the lining of his trousers.
In September, 1864, he was discharged at Harper's Ferry, having rendered
faithful service. His rank was that of corporal.
After his discharge he returned home and resumed work in the glass
factory, but his health was so greatly impaired by exposure that a phvsician
whom he consulted warned him to seek some other employment. He was then
living on Sarah street, the property consisting of a vacant lot and a dwelling
in the rear. About 1871 he erected the front part of the brick building now
owned and used for business purposes by his son William. In this building
he opened a saloon, continuing, however, to work in the glass factory until
his business increased to such an extent as to demand his whole time and
attention. He built an extension in the rear and also conducted a hotel, his
good wife rendering valuable assistance in the enterprise. In 1901 he retired
from business.
He belonged to Post No. 151, G. A. R., and the Veteran Legion. In
national affairs he was a life-long Republican, but in local politics was liberal.
He and his family were members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Schmid married Frances Mahler, who was born in 1831, in Buben-
bach, Baden, Germany, and came in girlhood to the United States. They were the
284 ^ CENTURY AND A HALF OF
parents of two sons: William and Albert, both mentioned later. There was
also a daughter, Frances, the eldest of the family, who was born in 1867 and
died at the age of twenty-three. The death of Mr. Schmid, which occurred
August 23, 1905, was widely and sincerely regretted. He had endeared him-
self to all who knew him as well by his genial social qualities as by his just
and upright character. His widow died in January, 1907, aged si.xty-nine.
William Schmid, son of Bernhard and Frances (Mahler) Schmid, was
born May 3, 1870, and attended St. Peter's parochial school and the Morris
public school. At the age of fourteen he began working in the glass factory,
first in the bottle and then in the window department, where he remained
until his twenty-first year. He then assisted his father in the latter's business
until 1901, when his father retired and he and his brother Albert continued
to conduct the saloon. In 1903 William purchased Albert's interest and has
since carried on the business alone.
William Schmid married, June 24, 1903, Theresa A. Burgard, and they
are the parents of one daughter, Frances Marie, born September 3, 1904.
Mrs. Schmid is a daughter of Leonard Burgard, who was born in Alsace-
Lorraine and came as a young man to the United States. He is a carpenter
by trade, but is now engaged in business in Pittsburg. He married, December
I, 1873, in St. Michael's church. South Side, Mary Schmitt, also a native of
Alsace-Lorraine, and their daughter, Theresa A., was born October 29, 1879,
in Pittsburg, and became the wife of William Schmid.
Albert Schmid, son of .Bernhard and Frances (Mahler) Schmid, was
born in the Twenty-fifth ward of Pittsburg, February 13, 1873, at the family
home on Sarah street, and at the age of six years became a pupil at St. Peter's
parochial school, later attending the Morris public school, which he left in
his sixteenth year. He then found employment with the Wolfe-Lane Hard-
ware Company, working in the capacity of errand-boy for nearly two years,
after- which he learned the watchmaker's trade with a Mr. Weisser, of Pitts-
burg, and L. L. Keller, of Allegheny. He then served for a time as clerk in
his father's hotel, and afterward conducted the business for a year and nine
months in partnership with his brother William. Since the dissolution of the
partnership he has been engaged in business in Carson street. In politics he
is an independent. He and his wife are members of St. Paul's Lutheran
church.
Albert Schmid married, February 18, 1903, Josephine, daughter of John
and Josephine (Yellig) Seifert, of Pittsburg, and they have one daughter,
Esther J. Mr. Schmid has been engaged in his present line of business since
September 22, 1903.
JOSEPH LEW, proprietor of the Hotel Lew, Pittsburg, was born
November 15, 1859, on Carson street, in that city, a son of Philip Lew and
grandson of John Lew, who was a native of Switzerland, and by trade a
wagonmaker. John Lew became the father of two sons, Philip and John.
John Lew, the father, passed his entire life in his native land.
Philip Lew, son of John Lew, was born about 1824, in Switzerland, and
although the family was in straitened circumstances obtained -a good common
school education. He learned shoemaking, and about 1842 came to the United
States, landing in New York, and going thence to Pittsburg, making a portion
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 285
of the journey by way of the canal. He at once opened a shop on Carson
street, where he plied his trade for many years. In 1858 he became carpenter
for the Jones-Laughlin Company, retaining the position during the remainder
of his life. In politics he was always a Democrat. He and his wife were
members first of St. Michael's Roman Catholic church, and later of St. Peter's.
Philip Lew married Louisa, born in 1826, in Germany, daughter of John
and Louisa Bone, who. coming to the L'nited States, landed in New York,
" and came thence to Pittsburg and settling in the Lawrenceville district, where
they attended the old .St. Philomena Roman Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Lew
were the parents of the following children : Philip, in the Jones-Laughlin
mill, married Emma Watkins ; Mary M., wife of Jacob Wood ; Andrew, mar-
ried Kate Miller: Margaret, wife of Jacob Sweitze ; Kitty, wife of Morgan
McDonald, a detective of Pittsburg, and Joseph. Mr. Lew, the father, died
in Xovember, 1880, and is buried in St. Michael's cemetery. The death of
Mrs. Lew occurred in 1906, when she had reached the age of eighty years.
Her grave is in St. Peter's cemetery.
Joseph Lew, son of Philip and Louisa (Bone) Lew, received his educa-
tion at St. John's parochial school and at the Wickersham public school. At
the age of thirteen he left school and found employment in the mill of the
Jones-Laughlin Company, working his way up through the different grades
to the position of heater. In 1894 he left the mill, and in association with
Thomas K. Davis took charge of a hotel on the corner of Twenty-seventh and
Jane streets. In 1902 he dissolved the connection and purchased his present
hotel on South Twenty-seventh street. Politically he is a Republican. He and
his family are members of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Lew married, in Pittsburg, the Rev. Father Dutifner officiating, Mary
]\Iagdalene Hirsch, born in i860, in that city, daughter of John and Mary M.
(Lechler) Hirsch, the foi-mer now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lew are the
parents of the following children, all of whom are at home with their parents :
Marv Celeste, Mary Magdalene, Ellsworth J.. Lawrence J., Joseph E., Joseph,
Raymond, Jolin Milton, \'alentine Robert and Selma.
. GUSTAV HOHMANN, who has been for forty-seven years a resident
of Pittsburg, and is to-day the oldest baker on the South Side and one of
the oldest in the city, was born June 9, 1832, in Minden, Germany, son of
Gottlieb Gottfried Hohmann, and grandson of Gottlieb Hohmann, who died
in Germany.
Gottlieb Gottfried Hohmann, son of Gottlieb Hohmann, was born in
1792, in Minden, Westphalia, Germany, and all his life followed the trade of
a baker. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and was twice married,
having by his first wife two sons, Louis and Charles, both of whom died in
Germany. The second wife of Mr. Hohmann was Charlotte Schultz, by
whom he became the father of two more sons: Gustav and Edward, a baker,
who landed in Xew York in 1858, came to Pittsburg, and for several years
followed his trade, afterward engaging in the saloon business. He married
Julia Kauffield. who died while on a visit to Germany with her husband, who
has since resided in Berlin. Mr. Hohmann, the father, was seventy-two at
the time of his death. His second wife died at sixty-two. Like her husband
she was a member of the Lutheran church.
286 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Gustav Hohmanii, son of Gottlieb Gottfried and Charlotte (Schultz)
Hohmann, left school at the age of fourteen and learned the baker's trade,
which he afterward followed for several years in Amsterdam, Holland. In
185s he was obliged to go home and enter the Prussian army as one of the
king's body-guard, serving three years. He was stationed in Berlin at the
time of the marriage of the Crown Prince Frederick to the eldest daughter of
Queen Victoria. In 1859, after his term of enlistment had expired, war broke
out between Italy, France, Austria and Germany, and he was forced to re-
enter the army, being discharged four months later, at the close of the conflict.
After leaving the army he worked for a short time at his trade, and in i860
embarked from Bremen on a sailing vessel, landing in Baltimore after a five
weeks' trip. He came immediately to Pittsburg, where for a time he was
employed in his brother's bakery. In 1861 he went into business for himself,
and has since conducted one of the most successful bakeries in Pittsburg. He
was an organizer of the Birmingham Fire Insurance Company and is now
one of its directors. At the time of his marriage he went to housekeeping on
Carson street, between Seventeenth and Eighteenth streets, four years later
moving to the site of his present home, where he built a frame house, and in
1900 erecting the brick structure which has since been his residence. He has
also built other houses and is a somewhat extensive owner of real estate.
In politics Mr. Hohmann is a Republican. He and his family are mem-
bers of the German Lutheran church on Eighteenth street. He was one of the
founders of this church, has always contributed liberally to its work and years
ago served as one of its trustees.
Mr. Hohmann married, January 24, 1861, the Rev. Gellert, pastor of the
German Lutheran church, officiating, Dorothy Mankedick, and they have been
the parents of the following children : Charlotte, wife of Bernard Fulk, of
Knoxville, children. Otto and Clara ; Amelia, died in infancy : Emma W. ;
Emil, died at eleven years; Theodore, died in childhood; Matilda, died at the
age of sixteen ; Ida, died young ; Dorothy ; Adolph, died at three years old ;
and Clara, died at the age of seven years.
Mrs. Hohmann is a daughter of William Mankedick, who was a farmer
in Westphalia, Germany, and alxiut 1854 came with his wife and children to
the United States, making the voyage from Bremen to Baltimore on the ship
"Johanna." They were nine weeks on the ocean and endured much suffering,
the vessel being caught in icebergs and being three times in danger of sinking.
They settled in Pittsburg, where Mr. Mankedick was employed during the
remainder of his life in a glass factory. He married Christina Maria Ruetter,
and their daughter, Dorothy, was born November 6, 1840, in Rohden, West-
phalia, becoming, some years after their arrival in this country, the wife of
Gustav Hohmann. Mr. Mankedick died at sixty-three, and his widow at the
time of her death had attained to the advanced age of eighty-eight.
THOMAS MALADY. The late Thomas Malady, for many years a
worthy citizen of Pittsburg, was born in 1853, in Lancashire, England, a son
of John Malady, who was a chemist. He brought his second wife and three
.sons to the United States. They settled on Long Island and later came to the
hard coal regions of eastern Pennsylvania, where John Malady was employed
as a pit boss. He afterward removed his family to Pittsburg and settled in
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 287
Brownstown, now the Twenty-fourth ward. There he was employed as
puddler in the Jones-Laughhn works.
John Malady was twice married, his second wife being Hannah Grattan,
or Greten, who bore him three sons: John, deceased; Thomas, of whom later;
and Robert, of Braddock. The mother of these children died while they were
still young. The death of Mr. IMalady occurred in 1897, at the home of his
son Thomas, who passed away five weeks before his father.
Thomas Alalady, son of John and Hannah (Grattan or Greten) Malady,
was a child when brought by his parents to the United States, and his educa-
tion was received in the public schools of Pittsburg. When quite young he
entered the Jones-Laughlin mills, and was employed there in various capacities
to the close of his life, a fact which speaks volumes for his ability and integrity.
He was an Independent in politics, and while a member of no church com-
manded respect by his upright life.
Mr. Malady married, about 1874, in the South Side, Mary Lewis, and
made his home on the corner of Twenty-rrinth and Mary streets. Mr. and
Mrs. Malady became the parents of two sons, William, born April 13, 1875,
died in his third year, and John, born April 11, 1877, educated in public
schools, and since the age of twelve employed in the grocery store presided
over by his mother. He married Emma Maull, and they have one child, Alary.
Air. Malady died at his home April 20, 1897, sincerely mourned by all
to whom he was known. He was a deep thinker, an earnest seeker after
truth, and a man of a kind and charitable disposition.
Mrs. Malady is a daughter of William Lewis, who was born in Wales,
where he worked as heater in the mills. About 1855 he came to the United
States and settled in Pittsburg, where he followed the same calling. He was
a member of the Baptist church. His death occurred in 1887, at his home on
Mary street, when he had reached the age of sixty. Plis wife was Cecilia
Richards, who died January i, 1907, aged eighty-four. She was the mother
of ten children, three of whom are living, among them Mary, widow of
Thomas Alalady, who was born December 26, 1854, in Wales, and was an
infant when brought by her parents to the United States. She was educated
in the public schools of the South Side, and became the wife of Thomas Mal-
ady, as mentioned above. In 1886 she engaged in the grocery business in a
room in her dwelling, which she moved back and about 1891 erected her present
store and dwelling, a substantial three-story brick structure. Mrs. Alalady
has shown herself in all respects a thoroughly capable business woman.
BECKWITH FAMILY. This is one of those families of which the
United States may justly be proud, as having borne their full share in the
defense of the rights of their adopted country when necessity demanded.
Captain Nicholas Beckwith lived in McConnellsburg, Bedford county,
Pennsylvania, in the early part of the nineteenth century, and was a man of
prominence and influence in that section of the country. At the beginning of
the war of 1812 he raised a company of volunteer riflemen which was made
a part of the Fifth Battalion, Pennsylvania Militia, Major D. Nelson com-
manding, and served vmder Brigadier-General Cook at Fort Niagara. It was
in active service from October 12, 1812, until April 2, 1813. Captain Nicholas
Beckwith married Sarah Scott, daughter of John Scott, of Gettysburg, Penn-
288 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
sylvania. The children of John Scott were : Thomas, who married Rehecca
Douglas ; Alexander, Margaret, William, married Rebecca Duffield ; Sarah,
who married Captain Nicholas Beckwith, as previously stated ; and a daughter
who married a Mr. Clingan. Captain Nicholas and Sarah (Scott) Beckwith
had one 'son, James Scott.
James Scott Beckwith, only child of Captain Nicholas and Sarah (Scott)
Beckwith, was born in McConnellsburg, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July
12, iSio. He was brought up by an uncle and his aunt, Margaret Scott, and
his education was acquired in the common schools of that period. As a young
man he was engaged in the occupation of teaming at Conestoga, and frequently
made the long journey between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. Later he
embarked in the general merchandise business, and still later in the hotel
business, at one time conducting the Rising Sun House, an historical inn at
Bedford. He removed to Latrobe, Westmoreland county, in 1863, where he
was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as ticket agent for a
period of several years, and then returned to the hotel business, with which he
was connected until 1870, when he retired into private life. His death occurred
at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1871, and he is buried in the old St.
Clair cemetery, Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married,
June 9. 1840, Anna Gilchrist, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Snyder)
Gilchrist, and they had the following named children: i. George N., engaged
in the real estate business in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth
Swartzwelder, and has had children : Amelia L., deceased ; James Scott,
married Clara Kennedy, and they have one child, George Nicholas Beckwith,
born September 21, igo8; Marshall Stewart; and Anna M. 2. William H.,
in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, married Lida Rhoddy,
and has one son, WiUiam. 3. Ridgely Scott, died January 26, 1889. 4. J.
Frank, a real estate broker, unmarried. 5. Virginia, died in childhood. 6.
Sarah Elizabeth, unmarried, resides at No. 429 South avenue, Wilkinsburg,
Pennsvlvania.
FRANK HOWARD ANDERSON, the well-known tobacco merchant
of Wilkinsburg, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April 25, 1864. His
grandfather. William G. Anderson, and his wife, nee Sharp, were natives
of Ohio, where William G. lived and died. The subject's grandmother, how-
ever, removed to Pittsburg about 1840, bringing with her two children, William
G., Jr., and Martha, who later became the wife of Joseph Askin.
William G. Anderson, Jr., was born in 1835 and reared in Pittsburg
and educated in the public schools. He chose the tobacco business for his
occupation and was employed by one of the largest concerns in Pittsburg
for a period of twenty-four years. Their place of business w^as at the
corner of Smithfield and Sixth streets. For twelve years he was employed
as manager. Subsequently Mr. Anderson engaged in business for himself,
opening a tobacco and cigar store on Frankstown avenue, in East Liberty,
which he carried on successfully for twenty years, being a leader in his line
in that section of the city. He became one of the prominent citizens of the
place. In Masonic circles he advanced to a high degree, and also belonged
to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias orders. He was a member of
the Baptist church, in which he took an active part. In the advancement
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 289
of the East End of Pittsburg he was always foremost and possessed of
more than ordinary pubhc spirit. Ele died in 1887, a few years after his
retirement from active business cares. He married Sally DeHaven. of an
old Allegheny county family. Their children were as follows : Ella Vir-
ginia, widow of John Woodrow, has one daughter. Grace; Harry, mar-
ried twice, first, Nellie AlcShane, by whom he had one child, Lawrence ;
Frank Howard (subject); Blanche Irene, deceased; Charles McClintock,
married Josephine \\'oolslayer, and they have one daughter, Tlielma ; Mar-
garet, widow of Harvey Shatow, whose two sons are Newton and Ralph;
Kitty, wife of Gustavus Stitz, whose two children are Charles and Dorothy.
Frank Howard Anderson was reared and educated in Pittsburg at the
East End. He learned the cigarmaker's trade and worked in his father's
extensive establishment until 1893, when he moved to Wilkinsburg and there
embarked in the tobacco business on his own account. His first store was
at No. 9 Wood street, and in 1895 he moved to No. 725 on the same street.
He is today the leading tobacconist and perhaps the most popular business
man in the borough noted for its enterprising and obliging storekeepers.
Mr. Anderson was associated wdth the Pennsylvania National Guard
for seventeen years, running from 1881 to 1898, and he attained the rank
of second lieutenant of Company C, Fourteenth Regiment. At Wilkins-
burg he was a member of the Sheridan Sabre Company, an independent
troop, of which he was made captain. When the war with Spain broke
out he recruited this company up to its full quota, and although its services
were tendered the government, it was never called out.
Mr. Anderson takes much interest in civic societies, belonging to numer-
ous orders, including the Masonic (Beta No. 64 and Chapter No. 285),
the Odd Fellows, Brotherhood of Protective Order of Elks (Wilkinsburg
Lodge, No. 577), and other societies. In religious faith and membership
he is a Methodist. He married Cynthia Anna Griest, daughter of John
Griest, deputy sheriff of Allegheny county, whose wife was Ella Snyder.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of the following children: i.
Howard F. 2. Eugene Ralph. . 3. Roy Griest. 4. Eleanor Fanny. 5. Bessie
DeHaven. 6. Robert Samuel.
HERMAN SAMUEL SCHWARTZ, who is one of the well-known
business men of Greater Pittsburg, with a wholesale liquor business at No.
5432 Second avenue in that city, is a native of Austria, who has readily
adapted himself to the customs of the land of his adoption.
Joseph Schwartz, father of Herman Samuel Schwartz, was born in
Austria, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1886. He took up his resi-
dence in the city of New York, where he Tollow^ed his trade, the butcher
business. He returned to his native country in 1890, and married Esther
Leizerovitch, by whom he had seven children : Herman Samuel, the particular
subject of this sketch ; Israel, Lewis, ]\Iaurice, Leopold, Solomon and Rose.'
Herman Samuel Schwartz, eldest child of Joseph and Esther (Leizero-
vitch 1 Schwartz, was born in Austria in January, 1877. His early education
was obtained in the schools of his native country, and he emigrated to America
in December. 1892. He immediately settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as his
future home, and by industry, enterprise and ability has worked his way up
iii— 19
290 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
in the business world to a position upon which he may look with pride and
satisfaction as the result of his ambitious efforts. His political adherence is
given to the Republican party, and he is a member of the Temple Rodof
Scholem of Pittsburg. He is highly respected in the city for his many sterling
qualities and has a host of friends.
He married, February 20, 1901, Rose Moskowitz, and they have chil-
dren: Sadie, born February 7, 1902, died March 2, 1906; Albert, born in
February, 1904; and Daniel, born in January, 1906.
REUBEN BREWER, who for over a third of a century has been con-
nected with the trade of a painter, was born on his father's farm near
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1852, a son of Mr. and Mrs.
Washington Brewer.
The father was born in New Jersey December 10, 1823, and while yet
a small child crossed the Allegheny mountains to the vicinity of Pittsburg,
where he lived until his death, December 29, 1874. He married Sarah Buck-
ley, born May 25, 1822, a member of one of the oldest families of Mercer
county, Pennsylvania. They resided at their farm home near Sewickley.
Their children were as follows: i. John, born January 6, 1848, died Feb-
ruary 10, 1855. 2. James, born March 19, 1850. 3. Reuben, born September
-28, 1852. 4. Mary Jane, born November 19, 1854, married Mr. Prentice. 5.
Elizabeth, born September 14, 1857, married Mr. McCurdy. 6. Nancy, born
March 30, i860, died March 31, 1863. 7. Mary Ann, born September 7, 1862,
married Mr. Messiman. 8. Emma, born January 26, 1865, married Mr.
Foster.
Reuben Brewer, of this notice, was the third son in his parents' family.
He attended the Sewickley district schools and later the schools of Sewickley
borough. After leaving the school room he started out to make his own way
in the world and went here and there, but finally came back to Sewickley and
with a capital of but five dollars engaged in the painting business, in which
he has been actively engaged for more than thirty-five years, and is now the
proprietor of a thrifty business in this line.
Politically Mr. Brewer leans toward the Republican party. He has hckl
some of the local offices of his neighborhood. He and his family are attend-
ants at the Methodist Episcopal church at Sewickley. He was united in mar-
riage in June, 1882, to Miss Elizabeth Ward, a native of Sewickley. To them
have been born the following children : i. Bertha. 2. Charlotte. 3. Pheonie.
4. Harrison Morton. 5. Minnie. 6. Eurath. 7. Charles Ward, who died
in April, 1907.
CHARLES PARKIN was born January 26, 1838, in Yorkshire, England,
son of Henry and Anna (Skelton) Parkin. He was raised in Sheffield, and
learned his trade as a hammerman in his father's shop in the above city. He
worked in the steel works until he reached the age of twenty-one, having only
the common school education at the time he was sent for by the firm of Hussey,
Wells & Co., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He entered the above firm as super-
intendent of the hammer shop. His inventive talents brought forth the steam-
hammer, which has since proved so successful. He remained in the above com-
pany until he formed the firm of Miller, Barr & Parkin. He was married to
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 291
Eliza Fletcher June 8, 1863, in Sheffield. They had two sons, Walter F. and
Charles B. The latter son died in June, 1889, from injuries received at
Lafavctte College. Walter F. followed in the footsteps of his father and en-
tered the steel business. Mrs. Parkin died January 29, 1872.
The firm of Miller, Barr & Parkin made an enviable reputation in the steel
business. The company was known as the Crescent Steel Company and was
capitalized at $50,000. It was increased in 1867 to $100,000. but was burned
down in the latter part of the same year. The company was enlarged and Wil-
liam Aletcalf came into the firm. Mr. Barr became the silent partner. It was
then known as the Miller, Metcalf & Parkin. Mr. Parkin was very active in
business and devoted his entire time to the steel industry. His reputation was
so spread abroad that he was called upon for expert testimony in many cases
wherein crucible steel was to be put to a new use. He was consulted by the
Government in the case of the People of the United States vs. Harvey Process.
The Crescent Rolls made by the ^filler, Aletcalf & Parkin Company have been
the accepted standard in the mints of the United States government as well
as many foreign countries.
On December 24. 1874, he married Anna V. Dravo. daughter of Captain
and Mrs. Charles A. Dravo, of Pittsburg, Pa. They had five children: Edwin
H., William Metcalf, Harry Dravo, Alice and M. Bruce. Mr. Parkin was
always a great reader and traveler. He was a member of the American Insti-
tution of Alining Engineers, Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, and
attended many of the meetings of the former society all over the world.
In 1890 he built the Pittsburgh Tin Plate Plant at New Kensington, Penn-
svlvania, which for several years was a large factor in the tinplate industry of
the country. This plant w^as later absorbed by the American Sheet and Tin
Plate Company. About this time the Crescent Steel Company was absorbed
by the Crucible Steel Company of America. Mr. Parkin retired from all active
business and spent most of his time on his large country place, "Oak View," at
New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Fancy stock and farming were his great de-
light. His farm was one of the best equipped and managed in the state. His
friends were alwavs among the most learned and cultivated of men. He cared
little for society, but rather for music, the church and the college. He was a
member of the Pittsburg Orchestra and played the 'cello for years before the
organization became professional. He was always an active worker in the
Methodist church in Pittsburg and at New Kensington, Pennsylvania, being a
trustee of the former for years and as well as founder and the pillar of the
New Kensington church, which church has a pipe organ presented by Mr.
Parkin and Mr. Carnegie. The people of New Kensington have built a modern
Y. AI. C. A. building at a cost of $50,000 as a memorial to Mr. Parkin.
He was a Republican in politics, but assumed no active part in the same.
He served as trustee of Allegheny College and Mount Union College for many
vears. In financial atTairs he took some interest as director of the Aletropolitan
National Bank and president of the Logan Trust Company at New Kensington.
Pennsylvania. He was also director of the Diamond National Bank, and was
one of the men who are responsible for its present growth and new building.
He was daily in attendance at its meetings. . At one time he was associated
with Mr. Carnegie at the Flomestead Steel Company. They were persona!
friends and were mutually interested in several business and benevolent enter-
prises.
292 • A CENTURY AND A HALF Of
Mr. Parkin was not a club man, preferring rather to travel and manage
his estate. He spent the remaining years of his life on his country place at
New Kensington, Pennsylvania. He was a genial and very popular gentleman,
a careful and shrewd man of business, honorable and upright, cordial and
generous. He had a host of friends, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him. He was a plain man, of large, robust stature and unostentatious in man-
ner, but perfectly fearless in the discharge of his duties.
In his straightforwardness of Christian life he possessed the confidence of
his people, and won the respect of all his acquaintances and family.
HENRY ALLEN SMITH, of Pittsburg, was born July 23, 1864, at
Romney, Hampshire county. West Virginia, a son of James Smith, who was
born near Capon Bridge, Virginia, and in early life was a schoolmaster. Later
he became a farmer and coal operator at Romney. He was a Democrat and
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
James Smith married Hannah, daughter of Samuel S. Ruckman, of
Hampshire county, West Virginia, and their children were : Henry Allen, of
whom later; Annie, wife of Edward Shaffer, of Elkins, West Virginia, six
children, Lulu, Bertha, Estelle, William, Grace and one other; Alary, wife of
John Carroll, of Grafton, West Virginia, two children ; Samuel S., of Pied-
mont, West Virginia, married and has two children ; Charlton ; and Mayberry.
James Smith, the father, died about 1897.
Henry Allen Smith, son of James and Hannah (Ruckman) Smith,
received his education in the public schools of his native town. He learned
the trade of a blacksmith and also that of a carpenter, and in 1885 took up his
abode in Pittsburg. Previous to coming here, however, he worked three
years at the carpenter and contracting business in West Virginia. In this
city he is now conducting a flourishing mercantile business. His views and
sentiments on political subjects are liberal. He was brought up to believe in
the doctrines of the Democratic party, but votes for the man best fitted,
according to his judgment, for the office for which he is nominated. He and
his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Hazelwood.
Mr. Smith married, July 12, 1888, Mary Margaret, daughter of Hutch-
ison and Mary (Cleeland) Cummings, of Pittsburg, and they are the parents
of two children. May Lillian, born March 10, 1890, and Blanche Olive, born
September 9, 1899.
ROSCOE HERBERT WESTON, a general contractor, whose home is
at Swissvale, Pennsylvania, was born January 6, 1882, at Warrior's Mark,
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, a son of Winfield Scott and Emma (Mer-
riman ) Weston. Winfield Weston was born in Huntingdon county. Pennsyl-
vania, and became a successful farmer and stock raiser. He also was a noted
gardener in both Huntingdon and Center counties. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church and in politics a staunch Republican. He died
January 28, 1899. He married Miss Emma, daughter of Thomas and Mary
Merriman, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents
of seven children, as follows: i. Forest Marion, who served in the Spanish-
American war in the Philippine Islands as a member of Company B, Fifth
Regiment, under Captain Hugh Taylor. 2. Roscoe Herbert (subject). ■ 3.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 293
A'^iola. 4. Anna. 5. Mary. 6. Pearl. 7. Ida. Of this family, the eldest
son, Forest Marion, is now associated with his brother, Roscoe H., in the
contracting and building business. He married in 1907, Miss Nellie Peters,
of Ormond street, Swiss vale, and they have one child, Stewart W., born
January 26, 1908. Viola is the wife of Charles Rambler, and they have two
children, Earl and Violet May, born January 7, 1908.
Roscoe Herbert Weston, of this notice, attended the Mount Vernon public
schools in Center county, Pennsylvania, and assisted his father on the farm
until 1902, when he came to Swissvale and engaged in the general contracting
business with his brother. Forest M. Mr. Weston is a member of the Swiss-
vale Methodist Episcopal church, and is an Odd Fellow, belonging to the order
at Wilkinsburg, and is connected with the Rebecca degree of the same order.
He married, August i, 1907, Ilona M., daughter of Aaron and Anna
Boyer, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania. They have one child, Calvin V., born
January 27, 1908.
ELLIS MURRAY WATT, (he well-known civil engineer and present
city engineer of the borough of Swissvale, was born October 3, 1874, at
Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, son of William Henrv Watt.
William Henry Watt was born January 23, 1836, in Murraysville, Penn-
sylvania, where he attended the old Murraysville schools, and when quite
young went into the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company ; he was
in the same office with Andrew Carnegie and Colonel Thomas Scott for a
lunnber of years. He served this company as one of its trusty passenger con-
ductors for fifteen years, served as postmaster one administration at Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, and organized the First National Bank of Latrobe in 1880, and
was its cashier two \ears. In 1882 he was one of the organizers of the First
National Bank at Braddock, of which he was made cashier. Pie was also one
of the organizers of the First National Bank ,of Homestead, and was elected
as its president. He died suddenly of heart failure August 12, 1901, while at
his post of duty in the bank at Braddock. It had always been his desire to be
busily engaged and go quick from the scenes of earth, and this was accorded
him. He married September 16, 1858, to Mary Catherine Belford, born
February 10, 1839. Her parents were residents of Youngstown, Pennsylvania.
The fruit of this union was nine children, as follows: i. Charles Noble, born
December 10, i860. 2. Frank Belford, born November 10, 1862, died in 1895.
3. Thomas Howard, born February 15, 1865. 4. James Henry, born March
4, 1867. 5. William Lloyd, born June 29, 1870. 6. George Coulter, born
September 21, 1872. 7. Ellis Murray, born October 3, 1874, of whom later.
8. Anna Kate, born May 22, 1878. 9. Mary Elizabeth, born December 23,
1884. The father belonged to the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Honor,
was a Republican in politics and a member of the East End Presbyterian
church.
Ellis ^Murray, the seventh child of ^^'illiam Henry Watt, obtained his
education at the public schools of Latrobe, the Twentieth ward in Pittsburg,
and Trinity Hall, Washington. After securing a good education he traveled
through most all the states of the Lmion, employed by a civil engineer, with a
corps of surveyors, and helped run the line of the Great Northern Railroad
through the states and territories of Montana, Idaho, North Dakota and Wash-
294
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ington. He prior to this went on the "Pennsylvania" school ship, where he
remained two years, and where he learned much regarding civil engineering.
Following this he returned to Pittsburg and was employed in the Carnegie
Steel Works in the topographical department. He was then appointed city
engineer of Rankin borough, holding this position four years, after which he
was made city engineer of Swissvale, which place he still fills with much
ability.
On September 7, 1900, Mr. Watt was united in marriage to Jane Clark
Nelan, daughter of Thomas and Ada (Van Hook) Nelan, of Brownsville,
Pennsylvania. By this union four children were born: i. Mary Catherine,
born September i, 1901. 2. Ruth Nelan, born July 11, 1903. 3. Thomas
Murray, born December 15, 1905. 4. Laura Van Hook, born December 31,
1906. Mr. Murray is a member of the Knights of Malta and Royal Arcanum.
In church relations is a Presbyterian and politically a Republican.
WELLS CARIHER, the capable superintendent of the Enterprise Brick
& Stone Company, of Swissvale, was born August 20, 1862, in Warren,
Trumbull county, Ohio. He is the son of Henry and Catharine (Kleiman)
Cariher. Henry Cariher was of Scotch extraction and died in October, 1867.
He was a soldier during the Civil war, participating in many of the fierce
battles of that conflict, including Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was taken
prisoner and sent to Libby prison, and also suffered in the awful stockade at
Andersonville, Georgia. He carried the mail during a portion of the time from
Washington to his command. He married Miss Catherine Kleiman. daughter
of Frank and Catherine Kleiman, who came from Germany about 1795. They
were ninety-seven days in crossing the ocean. Frank Kleiman was a stone
cutter by trade and died in Pittsburg, aged fifty-six years, of "stone cutters'
consumption." His wife Katherine died in December, 1884, aged ninety-seven
years. Henry and Catherine (Kleiman) Cariher were the parents of three
children, i. Wells, born August 20, 1862. 2. Albert Harrison, born in
October, 1864, is a structural iron worker, employed by the Carnegie Com-
pany, and married to Miss Annie Miller, of Pittsburg. 3. Sadie Ellen, born
in 1867, died in 1871. The mother of this family died February 26, 1896,
aged fifty-six years. They were members of the tfnited Presbyterian church
and in politics Henry Cariher was a Republican.
Wells Cariher, of this notice, the eldest son of Henry and Catherine
(Kleiman) Cariher, came to Pittsburg with his mother in 1867, and when but
a mere boy, in i86g, commenced to work at the hard labor of ofif-bearing in
John Allan's brickyard, in Negley Lane. He next went to the Garrison yard
on the Morning Side road, where he was employed until he was fifteen years
of age, in 1877, after which he went to the Murphy brick yard on Bedford
avenue. He next worked at Miller's yard, in the East End, and was there
made superintendent for the W. & J. Francis Company, with whom he remained
fifteen years. He was then given the position of superintendent of the Enter-
prise Brick and Stone Company of Swissvale, which place he still holds, having
been with this company since 1903.
Mr. Cariher has been twice married, first to Miss Elizabeth C. Meeks,
November 16, 1880. She was the daughter of Professor Samuel E. and Mar-
garet (Strom) Meeks, of Allegheny City. Mr. Meeks was a magician of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 295
more than ordinary note, and he died in 1905. By Mr. Cariher's first marriage
there were born two children: i. Sadie Ellen, born August 8, 1882, died
aged twenty-seven years, one month and twenty-eight days. 2. Albert Harri-
son, born ]\Iarch 11, 1884, died March 23, 1884. The mother died June 26,
1886, aged twenty-six years, three months and ten days. On October 25,
1888, for his second wife Mr. Cariher married Elizabeth Hof, daughter of
Christian and Rose May (Sessler) Hof, of Pittsburg, who came from Ger-
many. Christian Hof is by trade a weaver. Mrs. Elizabeth Hof Cariher was
born at Black Hawk, Iowa, October 25, 1868. The children born to Mr. Cari-
her by his second wife are as follows: i. Christian Ludwig, born August 8,
1889. 2. Henry Berminger, born February 14, 1891. 3. Rosie May, born
January 4, 1893. 4. Samuel Francis, born December 25, 1894. 5. Edward
Perry, born July 18, 1898, died May 4, 1900.
Air. Cariher has been a member of Loyal Council, Junior Order of Amer-
ican Mechanics, for twenty-five years. He is also connected with the Masonic
fraternity. Politically he is a supporter of the Republican partv. He is a
member of the United Presbyterian church.
LEONARD MARTINE, late proprietor and manager of the largest
bakery and confectionery establishment in Glenwood, Greater Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, was of German birth, and brought with him to this country those
habits of thrift and industry which characterizes the natives of Germany.
Leonard Martine, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Hesse
Darmstadt, Germany, where he and his wife were devout members of the
Catholic church. He married Margaret Becker, also a native of Hesse Darm-
stadt, daughter of Leonard Becker, and they had children : Leonard, of whom
later ; Catherine, Adam, John, Joseph, William and Annie.
Leonard Martine, son of Leonard and Margaret (Becker) Martine, was
born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, January 7, 1865. He was educated in the
public schools in his native land and emigrated to America in 1883. He was
ambitious and industrious and immediately found employment which enabled
him to be self-supporting when eighteen years ago he established himself in
the business of a baker and confectioner, and conducted this in a very success-
ful manner up to the time of his death. He was enterprising and progressive
in his ideas, and ever ready to adopt any improvement or invention which
promised to be labor, time or money saving. He enjoyed an excellent reputa-
tion in the business world of Greater Pittsburg, as a man of reliability and
sterling good qualities, and had many friends. He was a member of St.
Stephen's Catholic church, as are also his family, and in politics he adhered to
the Democratic party.
He married (first), April 2, 1888, Mary Lutz, who died in 1890, and who
bore him one child: Frank Joseph, born May 9, 1890. He married (second),
May 16, 1892, Elizabeth Deerstein, daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Fritch)
Deerstein, of Sharpsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and they had
children: Florence Matilda, born July 26, 1893, and William Francis, born
December 19, 1897. Air. Alartine died July i, 1907.
HARRY HOWARD LOVETT, a well-known real estate dealer of
Wilkinsburg, was born May 5, 1877, at Sandy Creek, Penn township, son of
296 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Joseph Lovett and grandson of John Lovett, who was born in England and
in the latter years of his life emigrated to the United States.
John Lovett married a lady whose given name was Ruth, and their chil-
dren were: Joseph, of whom later; Ralph, married Alice Rawson, children,
Jennie, Mary, William (deceased), Ruth, Thomas, Ralph, Alice and John;
Mary ; Ellen, wife of John Hodson, children, Ethel, Emily, John, William
(deceased), and Harry; John, married Jane Moxham, children, Ruth, Joseph,
Herbert, Pearl, Harry and Marion ; and Emily, wife of John Knowles.
Joseph Lovett, son of John and Ruth Lovett, was born in 1839, in Ashton-
under-line, Yorkshire. England, and received his education in his native land
and learned the painter's trade. In 1864 he emigrated to the United States,
settling at Sandy Creek, where his father, who arrived twenty years later, also
made his home. Joseph Lovett soon after coming to this country engaged in
the paint business at Wilkinsburg, opening a store on Penn avenue, where he
subsequently took up his abode and has continued to live to the present time,
carrying on a successful business for over forty years. He belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Republican. He is a
member of the- Protestant Episcopal church.
Joseph Lovett married Nancy Howard, born in England, a daughter of
William Howard, and the following children were born to them : John Albert,
married Maud Irwin, children, Loretta, Howard, Gladys and an infant ; Ralph
E., married Ella Walters, one child, Margaret; Benjamin, deceased; Walter,
married Nellie Wall ; Emily, wife of W. E. Edinger, one son, Walter ; Harry
Howard, of whom later ; and Lillian, wife of Alexander Weimans.
Harry Ploward Lovett, son of Joseph and Nancy (Howard) Lovett,
received his education in the public schools of Pittsburg and at the East Liberty
Academy, growing to manhood in the borough of Wilkinsburg, of which he
has always been a resident. He first engaged in the bicycle business, in which
he was afterward associated with the firm of Lovett Brothers. He subse-
quently turned his attention to real estate, in which he has since been con-
tinuously engaged, his present office being on Penn avenue, Wilkinsburg. He
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in political matters
affiliates with the Republican party. He attends the Methodist Episcopal
church.
MARTIN J. McDEVTTT, a successful contractor and builder of Wilkins-
burg, was born in that borough September 14, 1881, in the old family home on
Trenton avenue. He is a son of John McDevitt, who was born about 1837, in
county Clare, Ireland, and in 1857 emigrated to the United States.
At the outbreak of the Civil war John McDevitt enlisted in the United
States navy and served throughout the conflict, receiving his final and honor-
able discharge in 1865., He took part in the battle of New Orleans, serving on
the mortar boat "Seafoam," of Admiral Farragut's fleet, was also at Baton
Rouge, and served continuously in the mortar flotilla for nearly two years. At
the end of that time he contracted yellow fever and was sent to the Brooklyn
hospital and discharged by reason of disability. Notwithstanding this, he re-
enlisted and remained in the navy until the close of the war, serving on the
"Econola," the gunboat "Vandalia." Captain Carr, and the "Madagascar,"
Captain Rowe. He then came to Pittsburg, where for the next four years he
was engaged in the hotel and grocery business. In 1873 ^^ sold out and moved
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE
297
to Wilkiiisburg, establishing himself as a contractor and builder. He acquired
considerable property and built the old home in which he now resides with
some of his children. For thirty years or more he carried on a large and
profitable contracting business, but some years ago retired from all active
labor. Many of the desirable dwellings in the borough were erected by him..
He belongs to Post No. 508, G. A. R., and has never mingled actively in
politics. He is a member of St. James' Roman Catholic church of Wilkinsburg.
Mr. McDevitt married Mary McConnell, a native of county Meath, Ire-
land, and they became the parents of the following children : Mary E., wife
of John F. Harding, children, Mary M. and John F. ; Nora, died in childhood ;
Joseph P., also died young; John F., born Alarch 3, 1879; and Martin J., of
whom later.
]\Iartin J. McDevitt, son of John and Mary (McConnell) McDevitt,
received his education in St. James" Roman Catholic parochial school, his boy-
hood having been passed in his native borough. He was for a time engaged in
the milk business, but subsequently decided to follow in his father's footsteps
and become a contractor and builder. Thereupon he established himself in
this line of business, to which he is still devoting his attention, and in which
his success has been marked.
ALEXANDER W. CADMAN, one of the oldest residents of the borough
of Edgewocd, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and president of the A. W.
Cadinan Maiuifacturing Company, traces his ancestry to an honored family of
England.
Sampson Cadman, father of Alexander W. Cadman, was born in Man-
chester. England, in 181 1. He emigrated to the United States in 1830. and
settled in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. He was a skilled mechanic and soon
found employment on the river steamboats and rose to the rank of captain.
He was successful in his business ventures, and owned a number of river
craft prior to the Civil war, among them being the "Paris," the "Washington
City" and "Clara Dean." These were engaged in the packet service. Upon
the outbreak of the Civil war he was given charge of some of the government
transports. Later he was in comiuand of the Mississippi ram "Dick Fulton,
No. 2." and saw active service at Fort Pillow, Island No. 10, Memphis and
Vicksburg, where his ram destroyed many of the Confederate river craft. He
was disabled while in active service, and was honorably discharged in 1862,
with the rank of captain. He then returned to Pittsburg, and there established
himself in the brass foundry business, in which he continued up to the time of
his death in 1877. Ten years prior to his death he removed to Edgewood,
where he had acquired considerable property, and there built a house which is
still standing.- He married, in 1835, Margaret W'atson, and they had children:
Lily, died in childhood ; Margaret and Mary, deceased ; Josephine, married
James H. Orr, has children : Sampson Cadman and Edwin Morris Orr ; Alex-
ander W., see forward.
Alexander W. Cadman, only son of Sampson and Margaret (Watson)
Cadman, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1847. He
was educated in the public schools of that city and in the private academy of
Professor John Davis. He entered the foundry business of his father in 1863.
and eventually succeeded to the management. This business is still conducted
298 A CENTURY AXD A HALF OF
under the corporate name of the A. W. Cadman Manufacturing Company. He
is an enterprising and energetic man of business, and a member of the Credit
Men's Association. Although a supporter of the principles of the Republican
party, he is independent and liberal minded in his political views, and casts his
vote to whomever he thinks best fitted to fill the office for which nomination
has been made. When Edgewood was made a borough in 1891, Mr. Cadman
was a member of the first borough council, and held this office for twelve
years, during seven of which he was president of the body. His religious
affiliations are with the Presbyterian church. He joined the Wilkinsburg
First Presbyterian church in 1874, and served as trustee for seventeen years.
He is a charter member of the Edgewood church of the same denomination,
and was for a time one of the trustees. He is a Thirty-second degree Mason,
became a charter member of the Pittsburg Royal Arch Chapter twenty years
ago. He is also a member of the Masonic Veterans' Association, and a
member and director of the Edgewood Club.
Mr. Cadman married (first), in 1874, Henrietta McWhinney, daughter
of Matthew and Sarah (Anderson) McWhinney, and had children: Matthew
McW., Ralph Watson and Mary Emma. He married (second), in 1884, Kate
Malvern Kennedy, daughter of David A. and Elizabeth Saunders (Jones)
Kennedy, and they have children : Alexander Morris, Wilson Kennedy,
Richard Allan and Elizabeth Kennedy.
JOHN HERMAN VAN METER, a general contractor, residing in Swiss-
vale, was born June 24, 1873, in South Side, Pittsburg. His father was
drowned when he was but two weeks old, and his mother died when he was
but two years of age, hence the family history of his ancestors is not known
to him. He was permitted to attend the private schools of New Castle a short
time, but when very young was put to teaming. Later he became foreman of
the Columbus Asphalt Company. After remaining with them for a consider-
able time he was employed by J. B. Sheets, of Pittsburg, and later with Croron
& O'Herron, general contractors. After mastering the trade and business
connected therewith he began contracting on his own account with D. J.
Madigan as a partner. In 1906 Mr. Madigan withdrew from the firm and Mr.
Van Meter took for his partner F. M. Craig, which partnership still exists.
They do a general contracting business in the Pittsburg district, and in this
are highly successful and thoroughly reliable business men.
Mr. Van Meter is a member of St. Anselm's Catholic church of Swissvale,
Pennsylvania, and also a member of the C. M. B. A. In politics he is a
supporter of the Democratic party.
He was united in marriage, February 22', 1898, to Miss Catherine
Veronica, daughter of Peter Aloysius and Catherine (Brestliham) McElwee,
who are farmers of Butler countv, Pennsylvania. The children born of this
union are: i. Mary Agnes, born September 19, 1900. 2. John Peter, born
August 9, 1903. 3. Catherine Elizabeth, born July 13, 1905. 4. James Willis,
born May 14, 1907.
EDWARD RAWLINGS, connected with the blast furnace department of
the great iron and steel industry in Pittsburg, was born May 14, 1862, in
Worcestershire, England, a son of John and Maria (Cole) Rawlings. His
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PITTSBURG .-iXD HER PEOPLE 299
father was born in 1820, in the same comity as was his son, and followed iron
working for his livelihood. He married Maria Cole Watkins, widow of James
Watkins, by whom was born five children, as follows: i. Jane, who is the
wife of Samuel Rewbottom, of England. 2. Edward, born May 14, 1862, of
whom later mention is made as the subject. 3. Henry, who lives in Buffalo,
New York. 4. James, who lives in Chicago. 5. Mary, wife of William
Thompson, of England. John Rawlings, the father, died in 1901, aged eighty-
two years. His wife, Maria (Cole) Rawlings, died March 11, 1907.
Edward Rawlings attended the Bayless Charity School, and at the age
of twelve and a half years went to work at the "rolls" in an iron mill, but
preferring the work about a blast furnace he quit the former after six months'
time and found employment in the blast furnaces of his native country. In
England he worked eleven years at this line of business, and then came to
America in 1883 and was located first at Troy, New York, where he remained
a vear and a half and then removed to Chicago, stayed seven months, then
came to Pittsburg, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church and politically is a Republican. He is identified with the
Alasonic fraternity.
Mr. Rawlings was united in marriage, August 19, 1882, to Miss Ann
Whitehouse, born November 30, 1862, in Worcestershire, England, the
daughter of Benjamin, Sr.. and Rachel (Ely) Whitehouse. Her mother died
in England in 1876, and her father, who was a horse-nail maker, came to
America December 24, 1886, locating first in Troy, New York, thence to
Braddock, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1889, and to Swissvale in 1900. Their
children were: i. Benjamin, who died in infancy. 2. Ann, wife of Mr.
Rawlings. 3. Rachel, the -wife of William Rodgers, of Swissvale, Pennsyl-
vania. 4. Alice, wife of William Teaswell. 5. Roseanna, wife of William
Killen. 6. Benjamin J., who is a brick contractor of Swissvale, born March
25, 1875. at old Hill, near Dudley, England, and came to America with his
father December 24, 1862. He married September 19, 1899, Elizabeth Liddell,
daughter of AMlIiam and Emily (Powell) Liddell, of Brownsgrove, England;
they have two children, Edward Benjamin, born July 22, 1901, and Lillian,
born February 23, 1906, died April 2, 1906. 7. Geneva, who is the wife of
Frank Kern, of Swissvale. Mrs. Benjamin (Ely) Whitehouse died, and
Benjamin \Miitehouse married Mrs. Emma Fletcher, of Old Hill, England,
and after her death Estella Terrel, of Edgewood, Pennsylvania, issue, one child,
William Edward, born in 1903.
The children of Edward and Ann ( Whitehouse) Rawlings are: i. Sarah,
born November 4, 1883, the wife of William Glunt, of Swissvale. and they
have one child, Gladdis Marion, born in November, 1905. 2. Rachel, born
June 4, 1886, died February 27, 1890. 3. Edward, Jr., born February 10,
1889. 4. John, born February 14, 1891. 5. Maria Mabel, born January 16,
1893. 6. ^Margaret Louise', born February 6, 1895, died May 5, 1899. 7.
Anna Jeannette, born September 20, 1897. 8. Mary Irene, born January 21,
1903.
ALFRED E. CORNS, a well known contractor and builder of Wilkins-
burg, was born July 9, 1876, at Bloxwich, Staffordshire. England, son of Jabez
and Mary Ann (Clark) Corns and grandson of Mark Corns, who followed the
300
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
trade of a keysmith, which has been handed down from generation to genera-
tion in the Corns family.
Jabez Corns, son of Mark Corns, was born Januar}' 27, 1853, at Bloxvvich,
and followed his ancestral calling. In 1888 he emigrated to the United States,
settling at Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he entered the service of the Car-
negie Steel Company. After working for that company twelve years he was
for a short time engaged in the life insurance business. He is now employed
m the brick business of his son, Alfred E. Corns. Mr. Corns is the youngest ot
a family of seventeen children, and many of the children are now in America.
He is in politics a Democrat. In religious belief he is a Congregationalist. be-
mg a member of the Congregational church at Braddock.
He married, in England, Emily Corfield, and their children were: Eliza-
beth Lillian, deceased wife of Frederick Griffith; Alfred E., of whom later;
Alice Maud, wife of Robert Ferguson, ticket agent at Wilmerding, Pennsyl-
vania; Roland George, married Sarah Griffith, children, Pearl, Gertrude and
Raymond; Frances Ruth, wife of William Westlake, children, Mabel and
Ruth ; Archibald ; Lottie Isabel ; Harold, who died at the age of nine years ; and
Mark Leonard. The mother was born in Belston, England, February 4, 1854;
died December 4, 1906. She was a daughter of George and Ruth (Kyte) Cor-
field.
Alfred E. Corns, son of Jabez and Emily (Corfield) Corns received his
primary education in the schools of his native land, and was ten years old when
brought by his parents to the United States. He became a pupil in the public
schools of Braddock, and later attended night school at Greer's Business Col-
lege, Pittsburg. In 1889 he entered the service of the Carnegie Steel Company,
remaining until 1897, and during that period occupied various positions in the
bricklaying department, being foreman for some time before leaving the com-
pany. He then established himself in Wilkinsburg as a contractor and builder,
and from that time to the present has carried on an extensive business, includ-
ing moving and storage and dealing in coal and coke. He has contracted for
and completed considerable work for both the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
and the Westinghouse Company. He erected for the latter company their
meter works, a brick building two hundred and five by one hundred feet, in
the phenomenally short space of thirty days, beating the contract time by two
days. He also did considerable work for the Mellon street car lines, building
the power station car barns at Rankin. He constructed the South Avenue
Methodist Episcopal church at Wilkinsburg. the Methodist Episcopal church at
Swissvale and the Croatian Roman Catholic church at South street, Rankin.
Beside these important building transactions he erected three hundred houses
at the Belmar plant, on the site of the old Homewood race-track.
He is interested in the progress and industrial development of the borough
of Wilkinsburg, and is a director of the Mutual Improvement Company of that
borough. Among his other building enterprises in Wilkinsburg he is now
making a specialty of the construction of apartment houses.
lie belongs to Orient Lodge, No. 590, F. and A. M., and to the Grand
Lodge of the Knights of Malta. He is one of the most prominent and well-
known men in the latter order, traveling a great deal in its interests, and is said
to be the best informed man in matters of Malta in the United. States. At the
dedication, on March 8, 1907, of the Malta temple at Uniontown, Fayette
countv. Pennsvlvania, Grancl Commander George F. McCord being absent, Mr.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 301
Corns was appointed to act in his place. Politically he is a Republican. He is
a member of Grace Presbyterian church, secretary of the Men's Protective
Club and president of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.
While residing in Braddock he was a member of the Congregational church,
a director of the choir and secretary of the Sunday school.
Mr-. Corns married, in 1897, Rachel Amy Stockham, of English parent-
age, and they are the parents of three children : Lillian Mabel and Lucile Mil-
dred, twins ; and Florence Amy.
DANIEL F. ^IcAFEE, one of the oldest residents of Edgewood, was
born May 16, 1847, in St. Louis, Missouri, son of Daniel McAfee and grand-
son of Patrick McAfee, who was a native of Ireland, and about the close of
the eighteenth century emigrated to the United States. He settled at Latrobe,
where he became a farmer, being afterward connected with the old Portage
canal. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and is buried in the
Blairsville Roman Catholic cemetery.
Daniel McAfee, son of Patrick ^McAfee, was born about 1800, and was
brought up on the home farm. When he reached the age of twenty-one his
father gave him a wagon and a pair of horses, and with this equipment he set
forth to make his way in the world. He drove to Youngstown, Ohio, where
he married, and then, with his wife, drove the entire distance to St. Louis,
Missouri, w-here they made their permanent home. He became a successful
grocer and also carried on a large business in supplying firewood to the river
steamboats. He owned a farm of considerable extent and was the possessor
of many slaves. He was a stanch Democrat and a member of the Roman
Catholic church.
Daniel 2iIcAfee married, at Youngstown, Ohio, Susan Dowdel, and their
children were: Mar}', wife of James Watt; John, married Lizzie Jones;
Matthew, went west when a young man and has never since been heard
from ; Daniel F., of whom later. After the death of the mothe'r of these
children Mr. ^McAfee married Margaret Burns, who bore him one daughter.
Rose, widow of Patrick Burns.
Daniel F. AIcAfee, son of Daniel and Susan (Dowdel) McAfee, was
brought up in Illinois by his stepmother. The educational facilities being at
that time very poor, Daniel and a number of other young men engaged a
teacher by the name of John Lovett, from whom they received instruction in
the various branches of English. In the early part of 1865 these young men
organized a company, electing their teacher, John Lovett, captain, and were
received into the Fourteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as Com-
pany B. Mr. JiIcAfee served until the end of the war, taking part in whatever
duty his regiment was ordered to perform, and participating in several engage-
ments. He was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth at the end of 1865. He
then returned to Illinois and for a few years assisted his stepmother in the
management of her farm, remaining with her until 1868, w'hen he came to
Pittsburg and learned the trade of bricklaying. Later he was able to engage
in business for himself and eventually became one of the large contractors of
the city. He built the Western Exposition Building, the Holy Ghost College,
the Sixth ward school and many other public edifices. For a time he was
302
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
also engaged in the oil business, and was one of those who opened the Pin-
Hook oil fields near Verona, Pennsylvania. In 1905, owing to ill health, he
retired from all active business.
He has been a resident of Edgewood for many years, and in 1895 erected
his present home. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church of Wilk-
insburg.
Mr. McAfee married Agnes, daughter of John and Ann (McGinness)
Condon, of Pittsburg, and they are the parents of two sons and a daughter:
I. Walter, at home. 2. Daniel, Jr., in Lasanas, Colorado, engaged in sheep
raising. 3. Pauline, at home.
DWTGHT EASTMAN MOORE, at present engaged in the dairy busi-
ness, with an office in Trenton avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, formerly
identified with various other business enterprises, and residing at No. 113
Biddle avenue, Wilkinsburg, represents a familv of the earlv settlers in the
United States.
Pautry Moore, grandfather of Dwight Eastman Moore, was born in Con-
necticut. He removed to the state of New York, where he became engaged
in farming, cultivating a farm of about two hundred acres, and in addition to
this was a harness and saddle maker. The Indians from the State Reservation
purchased saddles from him in large quantities, and it was no unusual thing for
him to find thirty or more braves awaiting his appearance when he commenced
his work for the day. He married and raised a large family of children, among
whom were : William, Jones, John Wells ( see forward ) , Nancy, Jemima, who
married James W. Seaver, and Chloe.
John Wells Moore, son of Pautry Moore, was born on the homestead at
Avon Springs, Livingston county. New York, January 10, 1805. He was
educated in the common schools of the district and his youth was passed on the
old farm. He removed to the western part of Pennsylvania in 1846, settling
at Rochester, Beaver county, where he engaged in the manufacture of brooms,
being the largest manufacturer in this industry in that section. He retired
from active business work in 1883, and his death occurred in 1891. In politics
he was a stanch supporter of Republican principles and an earnest worker in
the interests of that party. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian
church, and he was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Bridge-
water, Beaver county, -Pennsylvania. He married Sophronia Cook, and had
children: i. John E., married Jennie A. Seaver. 2. Elizabeth, died in infancy.
3. Julia S., unmarried. 4. Charles G., married Ada Moorhead, has children :
Mary ; Catherine, married Joseph Gransbury ; Harry W., deceased ; John
H., deceased. 5. Louise M., unmarried. 6. Emma A., unmarried. 7. Dwight
Eastman (see forward).
Dwight Eastman Moore, third son and seventh and youngest child of
John Wells and Sophronia (Cook) Moore, was born in Bridgevvater, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania. February 20, 1852. He was educated in the local
schools and at the old Beaver Academy, and then learned the trade of broom
making under the able tuition and supervision of his father, and thev were
associated in business until the retirement of the latter in 1883. Mr. Moore
then went to New York, where for a time he was a clerk in a general mer-
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 303
chandise store, and one year later went to I'ittsburg-. Pennsylvania, where
he held the position of bookkeeper for John Murphy & Company. His next
position was that of bookkeeper and general office manager for Brace
Brothers, in their laundry and cleaning business in ^\'ilkinsburg, and he
remained with them for a period- of twenty-one years. He then, in 1900,
embarked in the dairy business, in which he has been successfully engaged
since that time. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, and
• he is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Wilkinsburg.
He married Mary E. Sinclair, daughter of James and Mary Sinclair, and
their children are : Elizabeth Sinclair and Madeleine May.
FRANK JULIUS ERBECK, one of the leading residents of Home-
stead, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, who had been engaged in the con-
struction of street car lines throughout the state of Pennsylvania and in a
number of other states, and who is interested in a number of other financial
enterprises, is a representative of the second generation of his family in
this country, they having come from Germany in the last century.
Christian Erbeck, father of Frank Julius Erbeck, was born in Germany,
where he served for a time in the army. He was obliged to resign from
this by reason of failing health, and he determined to come to America. He
established himself in the harness business in Rochester, Beaver county, Penn-
sylvania, but his health not improving he engaged in the butcher business,
thinking it would give him more opportunity for outdoor occupation. He
continued in this until he retired from active business life. He died at Monaca,
Beaver county, where he is buried, as are all the deceased members of his
family. He was a staunch Democrat in his political belief, was a member
of the common council, tax collector and school director. He and his family
were all members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Erbeck was superin-
tendent of the Sunda}'-school for a period of twenty-seven years, during which
time he was absent from his duties but three or four times. He married
Philippena Wagner, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hess) Wagner, who
were members of the Economite Society at Economy, Beaver county, Pennsyl-
vania, and left there to settle in Monaca, where they became large land owners.
They had children : Melinda, married Rev. D. L. Roth, a minister of the
Lutheran church, now residing at South Side, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Philip-
pena, mentioned above ; Mary, resides in Monaca, Pennsylvania ; Hanna, died
unmarried and is buried in Monaca cemetery ; Lsrael, resides in Moon town-
ship, Beaver coimty, Pennsylvania, married Melvina Wiley; a son who died
in infancy. Christian and Philippena (Wagner) Erbeck had children: i.
Ernest Louis, born in Bridgewater, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in May,
1859. He was graduated from Dufif's College at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
in 1879, and after serving as clerk in a store for a period of ten months he
entered the employ of the Lake Erie Railroad Company as a telegraph op-
erator, a position he held for many years. He was appointed station agent
at Homestead, Pennsylvania, in October, 1883; remained in this capacity for
eight years, at the same time having the management of a wholesale business
in the interests of the company. He engaged in the builders' supply busi-
ness in company with T. B. Bridges in January, 1887, and one year later
304
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
formed a partnership with his brother, Frank Julius, a sketch of whom fol-
lows. This partnership was dissolved in 1903, when Mr. Erbeck removed to
White Plains, New York, where he engaged in the general contracting busi-
ness, with which he is identified at the present time. He is a member of the
Lutheran church, and gives his political support to the Republican party. He
married, in 1886, Zella T. Cams, daughter of Daniel and Jane Cams, and they
have had children:' Anna Lola, Grace and John. Mr. Erbeck has been a
director in the Monongahela Trust Company and vice-president of the same ;
director in the Homestead and Mifflin Land Company, and director in the
Homestead Park Land Company. He is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 2. Charles
Walter was in the employ of the Union Supply Company, of Connellsville,
for many years, then engaged in real estate matters in Homestead, Pennsyl-
vania, and is now (1907) in the shoe business in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
He married Emma Buttermore, and had children : Florence ; George, deceased,
and a son who died in infancy. 3. Frank Julius, see forward. 4. Clara,
married, in January, 1908. Charles Eckert, of Monaca, a politician and news-
paper man and an attorney, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania.
Frank Julius Erbeck, third son and child of Christian and Philippena
(Wagner) Erbeck, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 21,
1863. His education was acquired in the public schools of Monaca and the
high school at Beaver, and this was supplemented by a commercial course at
Duff's College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1885. He then
entered upon his business career in the shop of his father, in which he was
engaged until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, and was then in
the employ of the Union Supply Company at Connellsville until ]\Iarch, 1888,
having charge of the books. He then bought out the interest of T. B. Bridges,
a member of this concern, and associated himself with his brother, Ernest
Louis, doing business under the firm name of Erbeck Brothers. The supply
business was abandoned in 1893, and the work of general contracting taken up
and carried on until the partnership was dissolved in 1903, when Frank Julius
Erbeck took sole charge of the business, which he is carrying on at the present
time. He makes a specialty of street car lines and street work in general, and
is at present engaged in the construction of the Meadville & Conneaut Lake
Traction Company's road. He has carried out contracts all oyer the state
of Pennsylvania, in New York City, in South Bend, Indiana, and elsewhere.
He is connected with a number of other enterprises, among them being :
V^ice-president of the Homestead Savings Bank and Trust Company ; director
and president in the Homestead & Mifflin Street Railway Company; president
of the Homestead Park Land Company, and various others. He is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Homestead. His political
affiliations are with the Republican party, and he was at one time tax collector
of Beaver county, and is at present councilman. He is a member of the Luth-
eran church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist.
Mr. Erbeck married, March 5, 1891, Alberta H. Fairfield, born May 5,
1871, a daughter of James George and Elizabeth (Hess) Fairfield, now of
Homestead. The former was a native of England, and his wife was born in _
Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Erbeck have had children :
James Christian, born February 8, 1892; Harry Fairfield, July 30, 1893;
F>ank Eugene, January 11, 1898, and Horace Raymond, September 22, 1904.
^^uy^uX^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 305
HON. JAMES WILSON LEE. Among the professional men of Greater
Pittsburg who have distinguished themselves both as legal practitioners and
excellent business men is Hon. James W. Lee, now so well known as president
and director of numerous independent oil companies. Mr. Lee was born at
Sharon, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1845, a son of Silas and Jane
(Holmes) Lee. The line of ancestry is as follows:
(I) William Lee, great-great-grandfather of James William Lee, came
.from England in 1707 and located in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was by
occupation a farmer. He married and among his children was a son named for
him.
(H) William Lee, son of the American ancestor, was born in Bucks
county, where he lived and died. He was of the Quaker faith, and among his
children was a son, William Lee.
(HI ) William Lee, son of William Lee, was also a native of Bucks county,
a farmer, and of the Ouaker religious faith. He lived and died in Bucks
county. He married and had five sons and three daughters : William, Silas,
Ralph, Mathias, John, Esther, Mary and Sarah.
(IV) Silas Lee, son of William Lee, was born September 23, 1788, and
died August 17, 1871, in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Early in his life he followed
farming, as had the family for several generations. Later he became a book-
keeper, and subsequently studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Craw-
fordsville, Indiana, about 1823, and practiced law at Perrysburg, Ohio, five
years or more, then moved to Bucks county, and from there to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, about 1832. In about 1842 he was engaged in the iron business at
Pittsburg, and removed to Mercer county, where he engaged in farming and
the coal business. During the year 1857 he resided with his family in Davis
countv, Iowa, near Bloomfield. From Iowa he moved to Virginia, and from
there in i860 to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he died. In politics he was a
Whig, and later of the Republican party. He held such local positions as
school director, but did not aspire to public positions. He was a member of
the Alethodist Episcopal church, and held offices in that body. He was mar-
ried twice; first, to Rebecca Fell, by whom he had three children: i. Esther
F., who married Rev. John Eakin, whose church and parsonage was on the
present site of the Nixon Theater. 2. Adaline, who married John McKarihan.
3. Joseph, who died aged twenty-two years. The mother died in 1819, after
which Mr. Lee married Jane Holmes, of Pittsburg, daughter of Nathaniel
Holmes and widow of Robert Patterson. The date of her birth was July 7,
1807, and of her death March 14, 1876, at Franklin, Pennsylvania. By her
marriage to Mr. Patterson she was the mother of one child, Martha Jane, who
died aged eighteen years. By Mr. Lee, whom she married in 1834, she was
the mother of three sons and three daughters: i. Frances Gage, born January
16, 1836, died September 25, 1875. 2. Ambrose R., born November 14, 1837.
3. John Holmes, born December 26, 1839. 4. Mary Celestia, who died young.
5. James Wilson (subject). 6. Clara Lee, who married Rev. Reuben F. Ran-
dolph. Of this family the immediate subject of this narrative is the only sur-
vivor.
(V) Hon. James W. Lee, son of Silas and Jane (Holmes) Lee, was born
in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, as above noted. He was educated at the com-
mon schools in Franklin, Venango county, Pennsylvania, and at Westminster
College, and Allegheny College at Meadville, Pennsylvania. He chose law for
3o6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
his life profession, reading under Myers & Kinnear, and was admitted to the
bar in April, 1869, at Franklin, Pennsylvania. He followed his profession at
Franklin, and had a partnership office there for five years, the firm being Dodd
& Lee, which existed until 1881. He then practiced alone until 1886, then was
of the firm of Lee, Criswell. & Hastings at Bradford and Franklin, Pennsyl-
vania, until 1 89 1. He was alone again for three years, and then came to Pitts-
burg and formed a partnership on April i, 1894, with John B. Chapman, with
whom he was associated for five years. The next three years he practiced
alone, and then formed his present partnership in the firm of Lee & Mackey.
Mr. Lee has been admitted to practice in the State and United States supreme
courts, and has tried many cases in western Pennsylvania. Commercial law
has generally been his specialty, and in it he has been highly successful.
In politics Mr. Lee is a pronounced Republican, never supporting any
other ticket. In 1871 he was a member of the city council in Franklin, Penn-
sylvania, and in 1875 was mayor of that city. In 1878 he was elected state
senator, and was re-elected in 1882. He was a delegate-at-large from Penn-
sylvania in the Republican national convention of 1884, which nominated Hon.
James G. Blaine for president. He had the honor of seconding the nomination
of General John A. Logan for vice-president. Theodore Roosevelt, who sub-
sequently became president, was also a delegate-at-large in that convention from
New York state, and was seated next to Mr. Lee in Convention Hall. Of re-
cent years he has not taken an active part in the campaign work of party poli-
tics, but has devoted his time unreservedly to the practice of law and his nu-
merous business interests, the chief of which is his interest in the Independent
Oil Company, of which he was one of the organizers, and of which he is the
attorney. He was president of the company three years, and is now its vice-
president. He is also connected with the Producers and the LTnited States Pipe
Line Companies, being the president of two and a director in several other oil
companies. These companies are strong rivals of the great Standard Oil Com-
pany, and have thus far succeeded in remaining entirely independent of that
great corporation, which has repeatedly sought to merge them into its own
great monopoly, but, largely through the untiring efiforts of Mr. Lee, has
never been able to accomplish it. The concerns with which Mr. Lee is con-
nected as officer and stockholder have large interests in many states and twelve
stations in Germany. In 1900 so large were their interests that they produced
more oil than did all the combined companies, including the Standard Oil Com-
pany, in 1870. Having had charge of the important details and legal matters
of these interests since the organization, he is thoroughly informed in everv
branch of the extensive business, second to but one in this country. In 1902
Mr. Lee was sent by his company to Germany, where he organized the com-
pany, taking title to the numerous stations or depots from which their products
are shipped over that country. Aside from his interest in the oil fields he has
interests in natural gas wells and pipe lines, including the "Elm Rock," ''LTnion
Heat and Light Company" and "Carroll Gas Company," he being president of
all these corporations. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Lee has been twice married; first, June 19, 1879, to Miss Laura Kin-
near, daughter of Francis D. Kinnear ; she lived only one year after her mar-
riage. For his second wife Mr. Lee married Virginia, daughter of C. S. and
Jean (McKlung) Kauffman. She was born October 13, 1854, and died April
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 307
5, 1905. Two children were born of this union : Virginia, born March 22,
1893, at FrankHn, Pennsylvania, and one son, James \\'., who died in infancy.
HARRY WILLARD McINTOSH. Among other members of the Alle-
gheny county bar the name of Harry W. Mcintosh naturally finds place in
this work, which treats of the leading factors which go toward making up the
■bustling citv of Greater Pittsburg. ]\Ir. Mcintosh was born in South Side,
Pittsburg, September 6, 1869. son of John and Elizabeth (Barkley) Mcintosh,
he being the fourth child in the family.
(I) John Mcintosh, the grandfather, was one of the Scotch colony who
came to the United States and settled at Wellsville, Ohio. By his marriage
were born four children, including the subject's father, John ]\IcIntosh.
(II) John Mcintosh, son of the Scotch colonist, was born at Wellsville,
Ohio, August 20, 1823, and came- to Pittsburg when sixteen years of age,
securing a position with James Hayes, the pioneer coal dealer, to whom he
apprenticed himself to the trade of carpenter and boat builder. However, the
salary being too small, after some two years he left that position and followed
the canal from Pittsburg to Blairsville, working with James A. Garfield, with
whom he became very intimate, but little dreaming he was associating with a
future president of his country. Subsequently he returned to his former em-
ployer, completed his trade and became foreman of the boat-building yards.
Later he associated himself with W. H. Brown as foreman of his river docks,
and in 1873 accepted the superintendency of the New York and Cleveland Gas
Coal Company, being located at Turtle Creek. Here he continued until 1888,
when he retired from active life and has since then been a resident of Wilkins-
burg. He is now in his eighty-fourth year, but active and in the full possession
of all his natural faculties. He is a Republican, and has served one term on
the borough council, but has never cared to hold public office. He is a con-
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been one of the
active supports of that denomination where he has resided. He was one of
the foremost spirits in the construction of the "Mifflin Avenue Methodist Epis-
copal Church," and has been a member of its official board ever since the
church was erected.
He married Miss Elizabeth Barkley, born in Indiana county, Pennsyl-
vania, August 17, 1830. She was the daughter of John C. and Mary Barkley.
Her father was an emigrant from Ireland, who settled in Indiana county. Penn-
sylvania, and there became an extensive land owner. The mother of the sub-
ject is still living. The issue of John Mcintosh (II) and wife Elizabeth
Barkley is as follows : Laura B., widow of William Montgomery, residing in
Wilkinsburg; Norman C, a business man of Wilkinsburg: Alice, wife of
Perry D. Mackey, of Wilkinsburg; Harry Willard, the subject, of whom later;
two are deceased, John C. and Martha G.
Harr\' Willard Mcintosh was four years of age when his parents removed
to Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and there he acquired his education. Upon their
return to Pittsburg, in 1885, he entered the preparatory department of the
Western University of Pennsylvania, graduating therefrom in the spring of
1890, with the degree of Ph. D. In September of that year he entered on a
law course in Yale College, graduating from that most excellent educational
institution in the spring of 1892, with the degree of LL. B. By reason of his
3o8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
taking the professional course and receiving his degree of LL. B. the Univer-
sity of Western Pennsylvania conferred on him the degree of Ph. M. Upon
his return from Yale College he entered the law office of J. A. Langfitt, and in
December, 1892, was admitted to the practice in the Pennsylvania courts. In
igoo he formed a partnership with Mr. Langfitt, with whom he is still asso-
ciated in the legal practice, the firm being Langfitt & Mcintosh, known to be
one of the strongest law firms in the Allegheny county courts.
Mr. Mcintosh devotes much of his time to municipal law, in which he has
gained an enviable reputation. He resides in Wilkinsburg, and has served two
terms on the borough council. Since 1900 he has acted in the capacity of
counsel for the borough of Wilkinsburg. For the last three years he has been
the attorney for the Dairy and Food Commissioners of Pennsylvania. Among
his many business interests may be mentioned in this connection that he is a
director in two of the strongest financial institutions of tlie place — the First
National Bank and the Wilkinsburg Real Estate and Trust Company.
Mr. Mcintosh is connected with the following lodges and societies :
Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, Beta Lodge, No. 647, Free and Accepted
Masons, being the first worshipful master of his lodge. He is also a member
of the Wilkinsburg Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Tancred Commandery, No.
48, Knights Templar; Pittsburg Consistory, Scottish Rites, and Syria Temple
of Mystic Shriners. He is major of the Americus Republican Club, in all of
which orders and societies he is a potent factor.
He was married, October 14, 1896, to Miss Eleanor G. McKelvy, daughter
of John S. and Eleanor (Horner) McKelvy. Mr. and Mrs. Mcintosh are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
HON. ALBERT FENIMORE COOPER, well known in political circles
in western Pennsylvania, was born in Clarion, Clarion county, Pennsylvania,
April 18, 1855, a son of John and Sarah (Roll) Cooper. His father was a
native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, born in 1820, and was engaged in mill-
ing, the saw-mill business and boat building. He married Sarah Roll, of Brook-
ville, Jefferson county, and they were the parents of the following daughters :
Elsie, Mina, Clara and Lilly.
Albert Fenimore Cooper, subject, accompanied his parents when about
four years of age to New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he had the ad-
vantages of the public schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he began
to learn the miller's trade with his father and followed it for ten years. In 1888
he commenced the manufacture of incubators and brooders. In politics he is a
Republican. He has held numerous public offices, in which he has proven
himself a competent official. In 1893 he was elected to the state legislature of
Pennsylvania from his district by a majority of three thousand eight hundr,ed,
running ahead of his ticket. At the 1893 session of the legislature Mr. Cooper
was chairman of the committee of geological survey, and committees on agri-
culture, legislative appointments and was secretary of the railroad committee.
As a new member. Speaker Walton greatly honored him by placing him at the
head of the geological committee. In 1894 he was the representative of Penn-
sylvania to the St. Louis Exposition. He is a member of Masonic Lodge, No.
313; Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 346; Elks' Lodge, No. 931, and the Modern
Woodmen of the World.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 309
Air. Cooper married Agnes, daughter of Mr. Enoch Dice, of Murrysville,
and thev are the parents of Albert Fenimore, Irene, Lawrence, John and Lena.
ROBERT B. McKELVEY, residing at No. 401 Park avenue, Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and for many years engaged in the grocery business in that city,
represents a family which has been domiciled in the state of Pennsylvania for
many years.
William ]\IcKelvey, father of Robert B. McKelvey, was born January 25,
1825, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and during all the active years of
his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. At the age of fifteen years he
removed to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he attained a prominent
and influential position in the community, and was a director on the school
board for a number of years. His death occurred April 13, 1885. He married
(first) Margaret Black, and their children were: Alvin J., born July i, 1856,
still residing on the homestead farm ; married Miss Dillie Aber, daughter of
Allen Aber, of Indiana township, Allegheny county ; Lizzie A., born February
4, 1859, taught school for a number of terms and married T. P. Fleeson, and
resides in Allegheny City ; Robert B., concerning whom see forward ; William
J., born April 24, 1864, died in 1876. Mrs. McKelvey died in 1864, and he
married (second) Margaret Kiddoo, daughter of Thomas K. Kiddoo, and they
had one child: Sadie J., born August 31, 1866, and died in 1876.
Robert B. McKelvey, second son and third child of William and Margaret
(Black) McKelvey, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 5,
1862. He received an excellent education in the public and private schools of
that district, and upon its completion he taught in the schools for a period of
three years. He came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1886, and
began his business career there as a clerk in a grocery store, where he became
thoroughly acquainted with all the details of this line of business. Four years
later, in October, 1889. he established himself in the grocery business in his
present location, and his systematic and reliable manner of conducting this has
met with unqualified success.
He married Ida F. Boyle, daughter of Benjamin F. and Eliza Jane
(Means) Boyle, of Allegheny City, and they are the parents of children:
Ahce A., born September 28, 1888; Helen M., born December 10, 1890; Edna
S., born in December, 1894, died at the age of two years ; and Robert W., born
August 5, 1902. Robert B. McKelvey is a member of Eureka Council, Junior
Order United American Mechanics, No. 38 ; of the Protected Home Circle,
No. 128; Knights of the Maccabees, East Liberty Tent, No. 369. He and his
family are members of the Fourth Methodist Protestant church, of which he
has been treasurer of the church board for past fourteen years. His politics
are Republican.
COLLINS FAMILY. Henry Eaton Collins, deceased, for many years
prominently identified with the iron and steel industry in Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, and noted for his broad and charitable views in every direction, was a
representative, and a worthy one, of one of the oldest English families in this
country.
(I) John Collins, the first of whom we have any authentic record, was a
3IO A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Salter in London, England, and is buried at Brampton, Suffolk county, England.
He was three times married, his third wife being Abigail Rose, daughter of
Thomas Rose, of Exmouth, county of Devon, England. She is buried at Brain-
tree, Essex county, England. John Collins had children: i. Edward, who
emigrated to America and became a resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
He married Martha • — — — ■ and had children : Daniel, Martha, Abigail, John,
Nathaniel, Edward, Samuel, and Sybil,, who married John Whiting. 2. Daniel,
a merchant of London, England, married Sybil Francklyn, daughter of Thomas
Francklyn, a goldsmith of London, England, and died without issue in 1633.
3. John, see forward. 4. Samuel, vicar of Braintree, Essex county, England.
5. Abigail, married (first) Samuel Beadle, of Wolverston, Essex county,
England; (second) William Thompson, of New England; had children: John,
Samuel, Nathaniel, Dorothy, married John Bowles, of New England; Abigail,
married Michael Powell, of New England.
(H) Rev. John Collins, third son and child of John Collins (I), was the
American ancestor of this branch of the Collins family in America. He emi-
grated in 1634, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, where he made his home.
He married Susanna , and they had children : John, see forward ;
Thomas, Susanna, who married Thomas Walker ; Elizabeth.
(HI) Rev. John Collins, eldest child of Rev. John (II) and Susanna Col-
lins, was one of the founders of Guilford, Connecticut. He married (first)
Mary , by whom he had children : John, see forward ; Robert, bom
1667, married Lois Burnett, of Long Island; (second) Mary Kingsworth, by
whom he had one daughter, Mary, born in 1681, married Nathaniel Chapman ;
(third) Dorcas Taintnor, no issue.
(IV) Rev. John Collins, eldest child of Rev. John (III) and Mary Col-
lins, was born in 1665. He married Ann Leete, daughter of John Leete, and
granddaughter of Governor William Leete. Their children were : Anne, who
married Daniel Bartlett ; Mary; John, who married Rachel Mix; Timothy;
another Timothy, who died young; Daniel, see forward; Susanna, died young;
Samuel, married Margery Leete; Mercy, married a Mr. Hobson ; Oliver; Avis,
married a Mr. Buell ; and Eunice.
(V) Rev. Daniel Collins, fourth son and sixth child of Rev. John (IV)
and Ann (Leete) Collins, married Lois Cornwall and had children: Anne,
married Timothy Fowler ; William, see forward ; Loraine, married Oliver Wal-
cott ; Freelove, married Staghen Baldwin ; Avis, married Daniel Bartlett ; Lois,
married Nathaniel Stone, of Lineford, Connecticut; Daniel, married Sarah
Lyman, daughter of Moses Lyman, of Goshen, Connecticut; Jerviah, married
Joseph Chidsley ; Demetrius, died young ; Ruth, married Moses Lyman, of
Goshen, Connecticut ; and Augustus, married Mary Chittenden.
(VI) Rev. William Collins, second child and eldest son of Rev^ Daniel
(V) and Lois (Cornwall) Collins, married Ruth Cook, daughter of Aaron
Cook, of Wallingford. They had children : Laura, married Reuben Parmelee,
of Goshen, Connecticut; William, married Esther Morris, daughter of Amos
Morris; Aaron Cook, see forward; Daniel, married Eunice Roseiter; Samuel,
married Elizabeth Bishop ; Ruth, married Dr. Edward Lewis, of Lenox, Massa-
chusetts.
(VII) Rev. Aaron Cook Collins, second son and third child of Rev.
William (VI) and Ruth (Cook) Collins, married Love Lee, of Salisbury,
Connecticut, and they had children : Elizabeth, married Frederick Boughton,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 311
of Pittsford, New York ; Lafayette, see forward ; Love Lee, married T. Buell,
of East Bloomfield ; Simri, married Emily Parmelee, of Guilford, Connecticut ;
Frederick W., married Olivia Chapin ; Sarah, married Barney Sprague, of
Rochester, New York; William Augustus, married Emily Bowers, of Coopers-
town, New York.
(VIII) Lafayette Collins, eldest son and second child of Rev. Aaron
Cook (VII) and Love (Lee) Collins, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, Jan-
uary 24, 1796. He took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. He
practiced his profession for some years in East Bloomfield, New York, later
removing to Pasadena, California, where, in conjunction with his two sons —
Germain Augustus and David Hayden — he owned and cultivated a large ranch.
He was noted for his public spirit and generosity, and died at an advanced age.
He married Elizabeth Hayden, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and they had chil-
dren: I. Waldo H., born October 13, 1831 ; married Carry K. Perkins, of
New York ; died in Brooklyn, New York. 2. Germain Augustus, born August
14, 1836, resides on the ranch in California. 3. David Hayden, born April 19,
1838, also resides in California. 4. Gertrude, born August 29, 1841, died June
29, 1846. 5. Henry Eaton, see forward.
(IX) Henry Eaton Collins, fourth son and fifth and youngest child of
Lafayette (VIII) and Elizabeth (Hayden) Collins, was born in East Bloom-
field, New York, August 2, 1843. His education was acquired in St. Louis,
Missouri, under private tuition, while living in the family of his uncle. Captain
Nathaniel J. Eaton. His first venture in business life was on the steamboats on
the Mississippi river, an occupation with which he was identified for several
years. He then embarked in the business of underwriting in association with
his two cousins — Henry and George Eaton — in St. Louis, Missouri, and later
was secretarv and treasurer of the Big Muddy Iron Company, of the same city.
He removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1876, where he engaged in the steel
and iron brokerage business, being a pioneer in this line of business. His of-
fice was located in the Penn Bank building, and the business was conducted
under the firm name of H. E. Collins & Company. He was identified with the
steel and iron industries until the time of his death. At the time of the great
flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1889, Mr. Collins, in association with Mr.
James Scott and Mr. John Logan, was the first to bring relief to the stricken
city, and it was a result of the unselfish efforts he made at this time that his
health became permanently impaired. He was a very public spirited man,
having the welfare of the city at heart, and although a staunch supporter of
the principles of the Republican party, neither sought nor held public office. He
was a consistent member of Calvary Episcopal church, and a liberal contributor
of his means to its needs. His interest in educational matters was more than
a mere superficial one, and he was one of the prime movers in the introduction
of the kindergarten system. He died October 14, 1896, and his death was
deeply and sincerely regretted, not alone by his family, but by a large circle of
friends, and a still larger one composed of those whom he had assisted in the
unostentatious manner which was peculiarly his own in the matter of his
charities. His remains were interred in Homewood cemetery, lot 31, section 13.
He married, May 23, 1871, in St. Louis, Missouri, Rev. William G. Eliott,
LL. D., pastor of the First Unitarian church of St. Louis officiating, Amelia
Young, daughter of William and Letitia Fletcher (Horn) Young, of South East.
New York, and they had children: i. George Eaton, born in St. Louis, Mis-
312 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
souri, July 29, 1872, resides in New York city. He married Louisa E. Sang,
but has no children. 2. David Hayden, born in St. Louis, August 19, 1874,
resides in Pittsburg. He married Sallie Ainsworth. 3. Henry Lafayette, born
in St. Louis, November 23, 1876, resides in Pittsburg. He married Elizabeth
Burd Thaw, and has children: Henry Lafayette, Jr., and William Thaw. 4.
Palmer, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1878. 5. Fletcher, born
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1880, resides in this city. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Sellers, and has one child, Fletcher, Jr.
EDWARD B. W. PFISCHNER, treasurer of the well-known saw manu-
facturing company of the E. T. Lippert Saw Company, is a native of Ross
township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born April 4. 1872. He is a son
of John and Wilhelmine (Beisel) Pfischner, of whose eight children seven sur-
vive, as follows: i. John. 2. Charles. 3. William. 4. Frederick. Edward
B. W., all of whom are connected with the Lippert Saw Company in one
capacity or another. 6. Clara, wife of Rev. F. P. Wilhelm, of Kingston, New
York. 7. Louisa, single, living at home. The father was born in Germany and
came to this country when in his young manhood and located on Stanton ave-
nue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the dairy business. Later
he bought a farm in Ross township, to which he removed, but continued in the
dairy business. He died in 1879, in early life. Politically he was a Republican
and in church connection a German Lutheran. His wife was born in Browns-
ville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1843, her parents coming to that
county from Germany at an early date. After Mr. Pfischner's death, she mar-
ried E. T. Lippert, of the saw manufacturing company before mentioned, and
still survives.
Edward B. W. Pfischner received a fair education at the public schools of
Ross township, where he was born, and also attended the schools at iMillvale.
When fourteen years of age he entered the saw manufacturing plant of his
stepfather, E. T. Lippert, and has grown up in the business.
Politically Mr. Pfischner is a supporter of the Republican party. For the
last fifteen years he has been a moving factor in the councils of his party. In
1897 he was elected borough auditor, serving up to 1900, when he was elected
burgess of Millvale, serving three years, and from 1903 to 1908 was a member
of the borough council.
Mr. Pfischner was first married in 1893 to Rosey R. Bauer, who died in
1899. To them was born one child, Edward Ernest, born 1897. Married,
August 7, 1901, Miss Alma R. Nicholas, of Millvale, Pennsylvania. To them
have been born two children: i. Charles, born in 1904. 2. Alma, born in
1906.
THE NESBIT FAMILY. Among the well known families of Greater
Pittsburg the Nesbits naturally find a place in the annals of the city. The
genealogy of this family is as follows :
(I) John Nesbit, the first to settle in America, was a native of Ireland,
born March 12, 1759, and came to this country in 1781 ; he settled in Little
Brittain township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was married there
August 26, 1784, to Hannah Kirkpatrick; a few years later he came west,
locating at Pittsburg, where he purchased from the state a large tract of land,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 313
then an unbroken wilderness, in what was known as Fayette township, Alle-
gheny county, now Collier township. He was one of the first elders in the
Presbyterian church of Montours. and while he was a farmer bv occupation he
was interested in local and public affairs. In the Whiskey Insurrection in
western Pennsylvania he was not in sympathy with the leaders. While he
recognized the hardships to which the people were subjected, he was in favor
of adopting more conservative means to secure justice, and in consequence
of his position in this matter, at a meeting of the standing committee of the
western counties, representing the insurgents, held at Brownsville (old Red-
stone Fort) on the 28th and 29th of August, 1794, he was selected as a mem-
ber of a committee to confer with the United States commissioners and the
commissioners of the state of Pennsylvania. The committee met with the com-
missioners, the conference resulting in an adjustipent of the troubles between
the insurgents and the national and state authorities. He remained on his
farm, surviving his wife a few years, until his death, which occurred May 28,
1845. They were both buried in the cemetery at Montours.
(II) James McConnell Nesbit, the youngest son of John Nesbit, was
born October 24, 1809; became a farmer and inherited the old family home-
stead. He was married May 23, 1839, to Anna Eliza Woods, daughter of
Stephen Woods, of Washington, Pennsylvania. He devoted his time entirely
to his farm except such as was occupied in local public and church matters.
He was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian church of Oakdale, and
his death occurred at his home May 17, 1877.
(III) John Woods Nesbit, the eldest son of James McConnell Nesbit,
was born May 12, 1840. He was educated in the public schools and was a
farmer until the date of his enlistment in the United States armv August 22,
1862, in what was afterwards Company D, of the One Hundred and Forty-
ninth Pennsylvania \"olunteer Infantry ; his regiment was attached to the
Army of the Potomac, and he participated in all the principal battles between
the Army of the Potomac and the Confederate army under General Robert E.
Lee ; among them are Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, the Wilderness,
Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Yellow
Tavern, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, Dabny's Mills and others. He was
mustered out with the regiment as a sergeant June 24, 1865. After the close
of the rebellion he resumed farming and became active in military affairs and
politics : he organized Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, National Guards of
Pennsylvania, August 14, 1875, and served respectively as captain and major
until ]\Iay 12, 1898, when he was mustered into the United States service for
the Spanish-American war. He resigned shortly after, owing to his official
duties as United States pension agent at Pittsburg. He has alwavs supported
the Republican party, and was a member of the house of representatives from'
the Sixth Allegheny district in the sessions of 1881, 1883, 1889, 1891 and 1893.
He was appointed superintendent of the state arsenal, Harrisburg. February i,
1895, by Governor Hastings, from which position he resigned December 16,
1897. President William McKinley appointed him United States pension agent
at Pittsburg January i, 1898, and he was re-appointed February i, 1904, by
President Theodore Roosevelt, serving until March i, 1906, at the expiration
of his commission, since which time he has been engaged in the fire insurance
business and general farming.
Mr. Nesbit was united in marriage, October 20, 1870, to Jennie B. Chub-
314
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
bic, daughter of Benjamin Chubbic and wife of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
By this union were born three sons as follows :
Harry James Nesbit, the eldest son of John Woods and Jennie B. (Chub-
bic) Nesbit, was born September 8, 187 1, near Canonsburg, Washington
county, Pennsylvania, was raised on the farm and educated in the public schools,
Oakdale Academy and Washington and Jefferson College, graduating June
28, 1892. He read law with W. M. McGill, Esquire, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
and was admitted to the Allegheny county bar December 15, 1894, after which
he practiced law until April i, 1899, when he formed a law partnership with
John L. Prestley of Carnegie, Pennsylvania. This partnership was continued
until April i, 1902, when J. J. Miller, Esquire, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
entered the firm as senior member, the tirm being known as Miller, Prestley &
Nesbit, with offices in the St. Nicholas Building. This partnership continued
until the election of Mr. Miller as judge of the orphans' court of Allegheny
county, when he withdrew January i, 1903, leaving the partnership as orig-
inally organized, Prestley & Nesbit, which relation still exists.
Mr. Nesbit is a Republican, but has never held public office except that of
solicitor of the borough of Carnegie, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, of which
he is a resident, and which position he has held since June i, 1903. He is a
member of the First Presbyterian church of Oakdale, Pennsylvania. Is a
member of the board of directors and treasurer of the University Club of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and is connected with the Masonic fraternity, being
a member of Garfield Lodge, No. 604, Free and Accepted Masons.
■ Mr. Nesbit joined the National Guard of Pennsylvania. April 14, 1888, as
a private and was promoted through the regular grades until April 8, 1898,
when he was elected captain of Company C, Fourteenth Regiment. He was
enrolled April 27, 1898, and mustered into the United States volunteer service
for the Spanish-American war May 12, 1898. He served with the regiment in
command of the company until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the company February 28, 1899. He then reorganized the company and
reenlisted in the National Guard, serving until September 17, 1900, when he
resigned.
Charles Benjamin Nesbit, second son of John Woods and Jennie B. Nes-
bit, was born near Oakdale, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1872, was raised on
the farm and educated in the common schools, Oakdale and McDonald Acad-
emies, the Pennsylvania State College and Washington and Jefferson College.
He was educated as a civil engineer and followed that profession for some
time, when failing health compelled him to secure inside work. He was em-
ployed in the tin mills at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and during the summer
of 1895, in the mines at Silverton, Colorado, up to November i, when he re-
turned to Pennsylvania and accepted a position in the Citizens' National Bank
of Washington.
Mr. Nesbit enlisted as a private in Company C, Fourteenth Regiment,
National Guard of Pennsylvania, July 4, 1889, and served through the various
grades of promotion up to April 27, 1898, when he was enrolled for the Span-
ish-American war as a battalion sergeant major with the regiment and
mustered into the United States service May 12, 1898. He served with the
regiment until September 20, 1898, having been promoted to regimental ser-
geant major, when he was discharged per telegraphic instructions from the
war department and returned to college.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 315
He is a member of the Presbyterian church, is poHtically a RepubHcan,
and is a resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, where he is still connected with
the Citizens' National Bank.
Frank Woods Nesbit, youngest son of John Woods and Jennie B. Nesbit,
was born March 10, 1877. He was educated in the common schools, Oakdale
and McDonald Academies, and at Washington and Jefferson College, where
he graduated June 22, 1898. After his graduation he registered as a law
student in the office of Prestley & Nesbit, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a private in Company
C, Fourteenth Regiment, December 2. 1892; was promoted to corporal July
5, 1895 ; reenlisted December 2, 1895 ; appointed regimental quartermaster ser-
geant April 26, 1898; enrolled in United States Volunteers April 27, 1898;
mustered in May 12, 1898; discharged October 20, 1898, to accept commission
as second lieutenant in Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, P. V. I., per S. O.
156, War Department A. G. O., September 27, 1898; appointed second lieu-
tenant October 21, 1898, and mustered out with the company February 28,
1899. He enlisted as a private in Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, N. G. P.,
April 22, 1899: elected second lieutenant August 25, 1899; resigned February
24, 1900 : appointed aide-de-camp on Second Brigade staff, with the rank of
captain, July 2, 1900, which position he held until his death.
He was married June 18, 1901, to Nannette Cavitt of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, and died at his home at Crafton, Pennsylvania, April i8, 1902. He is
survived by his widow and one child, Frances, born April 20, 1902. He was
cut off in the prime of his young manhood with the prospect of a happy and
successful career before him, leaving the infant daughter, Frances Nesbit, the
only representative of the fifth generation in this branch of the Nesbit family.
JOHN REID SIMPSON, M. D., one of the rising young physicians and
surgeons of the Nineteenth ward of Greater Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is a mem-
ber of an honored family of the state.
Abraham S. Simpson, son of John and .Anna Eliza (Slates) Simpson, was
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1854. He was educated
in the public schools of his district, and at first engaged in the printing busi-
ness, being employed on the Huntingdon Monitor, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania,
and later was with the Pilgrim, German Baptist organ at Markelsburg,
Pennsylvania. After a time he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company as a clerk in the time department, and was thus employed for a
period of twenty years. He accepted a position for clerical work with the
Pressed Steel Car Company in 1900, and is at present chief clerk of their plant
in Joliet, Illinois. He is a member of the Reformed church in the United
States. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He married,
in January, 1879, Alice Watson, who died at the age of twenty-three years, a
daughter of John P. and Catherine J. (Ward) Watson. John P. Watson was
born in 1834, and died in 1897. He was a prosperous farmer in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, owning a farm of two hundred and seventeen acres, on
which he resided for a period of twenty years. He was a member of the Ger-
man Reformed church, and prominent in the civic affairs of the community in
which he resided, serving as school director for many years, and filling other
offices. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican party. He married
3i6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Catherine J. Ward, and had children : Harry, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania ;
Elizabeth, of Pittsburg ; Alice, mentioned above ; Annie, deceased ; Ella, of
Pittsburg; Carrie, deceased; Irvin and Edgar, of Pittsburg. Abraham S. and
Alice (Watson) Simpson had children: i. John Reid, see forward. 2. Law-
rence E., born in 1882, was educated in the public and high schools of Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. He is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany as clerk in their offices in Pittsburg, and resides at No. 303 Collins
avenue. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and gives his
political support to the Republican party.
John Reid Simpson, M. D., eldest child of Abraham S. and Alice (Wat-
son) Simpson, was born in McConnellstown, Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, December 5, 1879. His boyhood days were spent on the home farm, and
he was an earnest student in the public schools of the township. At the age of
fourteen years he went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and there attended the
Franklin and Marshall Academy, and later entered the college. After seven
years in these institutions he graduated with the class of 1901, with the degree
of A. B. Later he was a student in the medical department of the University
of Western Pennsylvania, after which he matriculated at Jefferson Medical
College, in Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in 1905.
He then returned to Pittsburg, and was resident physician at the West Penn-
sylvania Hospital for one year, and is now (1907) associated with the hospital.
He established himself in suitable offices for the practice of his profession at
No. 303 Collins avenue, July 28, 1906, and has a constantly increasing prac-
tice. He is a member of the German Reformed church and of the Republican
party. He is also a member of the County and State Medical Societies.
JOHN W. HARE, of Pittsburg, chief organizer of the borough of
Brushton, was born January 21, 1859, in Somerset county, son of John G. Hare,
who was born in the same county in 1812, and was engaged in the ice business.
He married Mary Peterson, born in 1812, in Somerset county, and their chil-
dren were : Bella, wife of W. P. Wyke, born in 1852 ; Mary A., wife of
George A. Glessler, born in 1854; David H.. born in 1856, passenger conductor
on the Pennsylvania Railroad ; and John W., of whom later. Mrs. Hare died
in 1877, and her husband survived her many years, passing away in 1904.
John W. Hare, son of John G. and Mary (Peterson) Hare, attended the
schools of Wilkinsburg until the age of fourteen, when he entered the service
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as telegraph operator. In the course
of time he was made train dispatcher, then car accountant, and finally special
agent in Mr. Pitcairn's office in Pittsburg, where he served eighteen years.
In 1886 he was elected supervisor of Sterrett township for a term of four
years, but resigned the office in 1889 in order to organize the borough of
Brushton. In 1893 he was elected councilman of this borough, and was the
first to advocate its annexation to Pittsburg, which took place in 1894, while
he was still in office. In 1895 he was candidate for select councilman, but two
weeks before the election withdrew in order to accept the position of agent for
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Braddock, Pennsylvania, and for the
Adams Express Company, which position he still retains. He has represented
his ward as delegate to different conventions and on the county and city com-
mittees. He was delegate for Congressman Dalzell and delegate and secretary
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 317
at the convention which nominated WilHam Flinn for state senator. For
twenty years he has been at the head of the Republican organization of Brush-
ton. He is a member of the First Christian Science church.
Mr. Hare married, in 1878, Bella, daughter of Archibald Gibson, of
Pittsburg, and the following children were born to them: Bella, wife of W.
A. Morton; Lida O., wife of Harry G. Edmunds; Adda E., and John W.
Mrs. Hare, the mother of these children, died in 1896.
WILLIAM EICHBAUM GELSTON, assistant city engineer of Pitts-
burg, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on Squirrel Hill, corner of Shady
and Phillips avenues, December 3, 1853, ^o" o^ Samuel and Hetty (Barclay)
Gelston.
Samuel Gelston, the father, was born in Ireland and came to America,
locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1840. He held a clerkship in the Pitts-
burg postoffice until his death in 1855. He married Miss Hetty Barclay, of
Pittsburg, by whom was born the following children: James P., deceased;
Cora P., wife of Edward Smith ; Clarence and the subject, William E.
William E. Gelston was educated at the public schools, after which his
attention was turned toward the profession of a surveyor and civil engineer.
He first became chainman with a surveying corps and is now the principal
assistant engineer of the bureau of surveys for his native city.
Mr. Gelston is a member of the ]Masonic fraternity, belonging to Wash-
ington Lodge, No. 253, Free and Accepted Masons ; Consistory, A. A. S. R. ;
Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was secretary for fourteen years. In
1880 he married Miss Martha, daughter of David Moorehead and wife, of
Pittsburg. By this union three children were born: i. Charles A. D., born
in March, 1881. 2. Alyrtle E., born June 15, 1883. 3. Harriet M., born
February 7, 1885.
JOHN EATON, founder and president of the Oil Well Supply Company,
and who resides in a commodious and elegant home at No. 705 Bidwell street,
East End, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, has been prominently and worthily identi-
fied with the commercial and industrial interests of the state for many years,
and has done much to improve existing conditions. He is a descendant of
English and French ancestry. The Eaton family came from England among
the early settlers, one brother coming in the Mayflower in 1620, and another
in 1627. They were prominent and influential in the early history of New
England and in the Indian and Revolutionary wars. The maternal ancestors,
the Mott family, emigrated to this country from France, and many members
of this family were noted for their bravery during the war for American
independence.
Hiram W. Eaton, father of John Eaton, was born in Connecticut,
removed to Brooklyn, New York, in 1842, and died there in 1899, at the age
of ninety-one years. His wife was Annie Mott.
John Eaton, son of Hiram W. and Annie (Mott) Eaton, was born in
Esopus, Ulster county, New York, August 20, 1840. His education was
obtained in the public schools of Brooklyn, New York, and at the age of
3i8 .A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
fourteen years he entered upon his business career in the city of New York.
He subsequently attended evening school for some years and also took a
course in a commercial college. When he was twenty years of age he found
employment with the firm of Joseph Nason & Company, of New York city,
who manufactured brass and iron steam, gas and water goods, and in less than
one year was promoted to the management of the business. One of the mem-
bers of the firm — Mr. Nason — was the inventor and manufacturer of globe
and check valves, steam traps, radiators and many articles of a similar nature
which are used daily all over the country. Another member — H. R. Worth-
ington — was the well-known pump manufacturer. Mr. Eaton paid his first
visit to the oil regions of Pennsylvania in 1861, as a representative of the firm
of Joseph Nason & Company, in the sale of goods used in drilling and operat-
ing oil wells. He has been closely identified with this industry since that time
and has grown up with the business. He established himself in business as a
dealer in oil well supplies in 1867, two years later organizing the firm of Eaton
& Cole, which was subsequently made a corporation under the laws of Con-
necticut and known as the Eaton, Cole &. Burnham Company, with its main
offices in the city of New York. In 1878 the Oil Well Supply Company, Lim-
ited, was formied by merging several concerns of a similar line of business,
including the supply department of the Eaton, Cole & Burnham Company.
Three years later the present corporation succeeded the limited copartnership,
being organized under the laws of Pennsylvania. i\Ir. Eaton was president
and manager of these various concerns, and his career in the manufacture and
sale of oil well supplies is practically a history of the business.
The first well drilled expressly for petroleum was completed August 28,
1859, under the direction of Colonel Edwin L. Drake, and was sixty-nine feet
in depth. It was located on Oil Creek, near Titusville, Pennsylvania. Oil
had been frequently found while drilling for salt water in Pennsylvania, Ken-
tucky and other states, but in limited quantities, and no importance was at-
tached to it. The drilling of the Drake well was the beginning of the
petroleum industry. Petroleum was known to the ancients under the names
of bitumen and asphalt, and rock oil is mentioned in the Old Testament.
Bitumen was found near the Dead Sea, and was used by the Egyptians for
purposes of embalming. Petroleum was known to the Chinese several cen-
turies ago, but this great industry, with its vast kindred interests, is less than
fifty years old, and during that period it has made great advances. The
production of petroleum in 1859 was one thousand eight hundred and seventy-
three barrels, in 1905 the production exceeded one hundred and twenty millions
of barrels. During this period more than two hundred and fifty thousand
wells have been drilled. At the first well it required several months to reach
a depth of sixty-nine feet ; it is not uncommon now to drill one hundred feet
in a single day. The tools used to drill the first well weighed less than one
hundred pounds ; to-day a set of tools weigh from three to four thousand
pounds. Many of the first wells were drilled with a spring pole. The boilers
and engines used at first were very small. Generally the boiler was mounted
on wheels and the engine placed upon the boiler. They were seldom of more
than ten-horsepower, while the boilers of to-day are from twenty-five to forty-
horsepower, the engines being from twenty to thirty-horsepower, and fre-
quently larger. Gas engines are extensively employed in the drilling and
pumping of oil wells. Originally the oil was carted in barrels, bv teams, from
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 319
the wells to the nearest stream or railroad station ; today lines of pipe take
the oil from the wells and carry it to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Cleveland and Chicago, and from the oil fields of California to San Francisco.
The pipe line from the Indian Territory through Chicago to New York is
more than fourteen hundred miles in length. The first line of pipe used for
this purpose was of cast iron, but it was not a success and it was predicted
that oil could never be transported through pipes. Time has proved the
.fallacy of this prediction. Naturally the manufacture of supplies used in the
drilling of oil wells has kept pace with the industry itself, and numerous large
concerns have been estabHshed for this purpose. Thin brass or copper tubing
with couplings soldered on was formerly used for pumping wells, but this was
superseded by two-inch steam pipe. Dealers reamed the ends of the pipe with
a hand reamer and drove a swedge through the pipe to remove blisters. The
first iron pipe made for the purpose of tubing wells was manufactured at
Taunton, Alassachusetts, on an order given by Mr. John Eaton. It was two-
inch, butt-welded pipe, and was sold at one dollar and twenty-five cents per
foot. To-day, lap-welded iron tubing, tested at two thousand pounds to the
square inch, sells for fifteen cents per foot. The use of petroleum has ex-
tended to almost every country in the world, and the production has been
greatly stimulated. Next to the United States, Russia is the greatest oil pro-
ducing country, having yielded the largest wells ever drilled, some of them
producing one hundred thousand barrels of oil in twenty-four hours. The
United States, however, excels all other countries in producing oil of the best
quality and at the lowest cost, and especially in the manufacture of tools
necessary for the drilling and operating of the wells.
The Oil Well Supply Company undoubtedly stands at the head of the
supply business. Its growth, and that of its predecessors, has been from a
nominal capital to the present capital of one million five hundred thousand dol-
lars, and a surplus of more than three million dollars. Its headquarters are in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and it has well established stores and factories in
various parts of the country, in order to keep pace with the spread of oil de-
velopments. It has large manufacturing ^plants at Pittsburg, Oil City and
Bradford, in the state of Pennsylvania ; Oswego. New York ; Parkersburg,
\\'est Virginia ; Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, besides more
than eighty stores, repair shops and agencies in the oil and gas fields of New
York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Colorado, Texas,
Louisiana, Wyoming, California and Oklahoma and Indian Territory. It
employs several thousand people and manufactures a great majority of the
goods required for drilling and operating oil and gas wells, for refineries,
pipe lines, etc. Its plants are very extensive, especially the one at Oil City,
Pennsylvania, which covers twenty-six acres of ground, and on which there
are forty separate buildings. The fuel used is natural gas, the company own-
ing about fifteen thousand acres of gas territory, and having its own gas lines.
The machinery in all these plants is modern and first-class in all respects.
Their trade in foreign countries is very extensive, and some article manufac-
tured by the Oil Well Supply Company is to be found in every deep well sunk
in any part of the world.
Mr. Eaton has been one of the leading spirits in the business interests of
Pittsburg for many years. While he was absent on a tour of the world in
March, 1904, he was elected president of the Pittsburg Chamber of Com-
320
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
merce, of which he had been an active and influential member for ahnost
twenty years. He gives all business matters due consideration, and is quick
and shrewd in his grasp of a subject. He is broad-minded and liberal in his
ideas and has the courage of his convictions. He is possessed of remarkable
executive ability, and is noted for his ability to select the best men for subor-
dinate offices, and for setting them an example of industry, which is a prac-
tical object lesson. He is a man of commanding presence, being over six feet
in height, and of military bearing. He served for a short time during the
Civil war, and was for eight years in the New York state militia. His de-
meanor is affable and genial, and he is noted for his unvarying courtesy of
manner. He is a member of the Duquesne, Union, Civic and Country Clubs
of Pittsburg, of the Engineers' Club of New York, the Pennsylvania Society
of the Sons of the American Revolution, and is a thirty-second degree Mason.
Pie married, in 1863, Margaret H. Collins, of Brooklyn, New York, and
they have children: i. Mabel, married Rev. Frederick Ward Denys, rector
of St. Mary's Episcopal church, Baltimore, Maryland. 2. Lulu, married
Louis Brown, of Pittsburg, treasurer of the Oil Well Supply Company.
ISAAC BLACKADORE, deceased was a native of county Antrim, Ire-
land, born November 20, 18 19. When he was two years of age his parents,
George and Mary (Alexander) Blackadore, came to America, and in 1821
settled in Wilkins township, a part of which is now Penn township. There
they began clearing up a farm from out the forest and erected a log house,
where the father died in 1861, aged eighty years. The mother died in 1871,
aged ninety years. They had three sons and four daughters, as follows : El-
eanor (Fitzsimmons) ; Isaac; Mary .(Grierson), of Patton ; Elizabeth (Grier-
son), of East Liberty; Jane (Riggs) ; John, of Canton, Ohio, and William,
deceased. '
Isaac Blackadore, the subject, followed farming pursuits and made a spe-
cialty of fruit growing. He had the largest and most prolific bearing orchard
in Penn township, Allegheny county. He died in April, 1896, aged about sev-
enty-seven years. He married Nancy Cochran, born in Franklin township, a
daughter of John and Mary (Alexander) Cochran, of Ireland. The issue by
this union was: i. John, born March 28, 1870, who graduated from the West-
ern Pennsylvania University as a civil engineer, but in 1904 engaged in the
real estate business at Brushton, Pennsylvania. 2. Annie B. 3. Fannie E.
Mrs. Blackadore's father, John Cochran, was born in Ireland in 1800 and
came to America, settling in Pittsburg in 1820, and was a farmer. He married
Mary Alexander, and their children were : Thomas, William, John, Elizabeth,
Jane, Nancy, Eleanor, George, Mary, Ann, Fannie and James H. The father
died in 1876, and the mother is also deceased.
DR. FRANK STREATOR VAN KIRK, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1869. He was edu-
cated in the public schools and at Washington and Jefferson College, Wash-
ington, Pennsylvania. He then took up the study of medicine and graduated
from the University of Pennsylvania in the year of 1895. Shortly after his
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 321
graduation he located in Brushton, Thirty-seventh ward, Pittsburg, where he
has since been engaged in the general practice of medicine.
Dr. \'an Kirk is the son of John Oliver Van Kirk and Eliza Long Van
Kirk, well known residents of Washington county. His paternal ancestors are
descendants of John Johnson Van Kirk, who with his wife and five children
emigrated to this country from Burgen, duchy of Guelders, Holland, in the
year 1663, and settled on that part of Long Island now occupied by New York
city. The \'an Kirk family is one of the oldest in western Pennsylvania,
locating here in the year 1785.
Dr. Van Kirk's mother, Eliza (Long) \'an Kirk, was the daughter of
William Long and Catherine (Krider) Long, natives of Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, where their ancestors had settled after emigrating from Ger-
many in the latter part of the eighteenth century.
Dr. Van Kirk w-as united in marriage in 1898 to Harriett Gertrude Crick,
the youngest daughter of S. H. Crick and Harriett (Logue) Crick, residents
of Clarion county, Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed with two chil-
dren, Frances Gertrude, born July 6, 1899, and John Oliver, born July 14,
1907. Dr. Van Kirk and his family are members of the St. James' Memorial
Protestant Episcopal church.
REV. ROBERT W. WOODS, pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Re-
deemer, at Homewood, East End of Pittsburg, was born near Blain, Perry
county, Pennsylvania, May 30, 1873. He is the son of William Wharton and
Catherine (Loy) Woods. The father was born in Juniata county, Pennsyl-
vania, in the year 1833, and was a prominent farmer. For a number of years
he was one of the commissioners of Perry county, and served a number of
terms on the school board of his township. In 1857 the father married Miss
Catherine Loy, who was born in 1839 and died in 1891. The children born to
William W. and Catherine (Loy) Woods were as follows: Francis, George,
Delia. David and the subject, the Rev. Robert W. Woods.
The grandfather, Wayne Woods, was one of the descendants of the family
of General Anthony Wayne.
Rev. Woods spent his boyhood days on the farm. He joined Zion
Lutheran church, Blain, Pennsylvania, u- 1890. A deep conviction grew upon
him that he should study for the gospel ministry, and in the fall of 1892' entered
the college preparatory department at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He gradu-
ated from Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg in the class of 1898. He took a
very active part in college life, w^s president of the college Y. M. C. A., and a
charter member of the Pen and Sword Society of the college. He was one
of the founders of the Druid fraternity at his college.
He took his course in theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1900 he came to Pittsburg and under the direc-
tion of the Rev. John Weidley, D. D., then pastor of Bethany Lutheran church,
of the East End, and made a canvass of the Homewood district of the East
End for the purpose of founding a Lutheran church in that growing district.
A charter membership of forty-three persons was secured, and on September
30, 1900, the Lutheran church of the Redeemer was organized on a self-sup-
porting basis. Rev. Woods was called to be their pastor, and on May 30,
1901, immediately after graduating from the seminary, took full charge of the
iii— 21
322 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
work. Through his untiring zeal and ability as a pastor and a preacher he has
succeeded in building up a strong and flourishing congregation of more than
four hundred members.
He is a sir knight of the East Liberty Tent of the K. O. T. M., and is past
president of the East Liberty Circle of the P. H. C. He has served as secre-
tary, treasurer and president of the Pittsburg Lutheran Ministerial Associa-
tion, and has the honor of being elected the first president of the Pittsburg-
Perry County Peoples' Club.
Rev. Woods has a host of friends throughout the city, is dearly beloved
by the members of his church, has a strong spiritual hold upon the people of
the East End, and is rapidly becoming one of the prominent ministers of the
Lutheran church.
WILLIAM JAMES STEVENSON, an attorney-at-law and the secretary
of the Farmers and Mechanics' Savings Fund and Loan Association, of Pitts-
burg, was born November 14, 1871, a son of Phillip H. and Elizabeth (McCor-
mick) Stevenson. He is one of their three surviving children.
John Stevenson, the paternal grandfather, came from Pigeon Creek,
Washington county, Pennsylvania, about 1800. Whether he was a native of
that county or of the north of Ireland is not positively known, but his parents
were from the latter country, and of Scotch-Irish origin. John Stevenson, who
by trade was a miller, built the first grist mill in his section of the country.
He was influenced to settle where he did by Phillip Hooper, who was a prior
settler in Allegheny county, and whose daughter Mr. Stevenson afterward
married. He was a very successful mill operator and later built and operated
three other mills in western Pennsylvania, which were run by his sons, each
of whom he taught the miller's trade in a most thorough manner. The original
"Stevenson Mills" were burned in 1856, but were soon thereafter rebuilt, and
are still in operation and now owned by John M. Kenneday, of Pittsburg.
John Stevenson also became an extensive land owner, and gave each of his
sons a good farm as their portion of his estate. He had three daughters, for
whom he also provided well. His wife, Jane Hooper, was a cousin of General
Anthony Wayne. For many years Mr. Stevenson was a justice of the peace
in his county and well known as a local politician and man of great firmness
of character.
Phillip H. Stevenson, son of John Stevenson and Jane (Hooper) Steven-
son, was born in 1820 and died in 1893. With his brothers he learned the
milling business of his father in Washington county, Pennsylvania, but in early
manhood became engaged in the wool brokerage business, with which he was
connected during the after years of his life. He married Miss Elizabeth Mc-
Cormick, of Allegheny county, and three of their children still survive:
Charles L., a lawyer, associated with his brother, William J. : Emma L., wife of
John H. Hamilton, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania ; and William James Steven-
son, of this sketch. The mother still resides on the old Stevenson homestead,
where her husband was born and which is owned by the subject, his brother
and sister.
William James Stevenson received his education at the public schools and
at Mount Union College, from which he graduated in 1894. He at once took
up the study of law, reading under the instruction of Judge C. S. Fetterman,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 323
of Pittsburg. He was admitted to the bar in 1896, enabling him to practice
in the courts of his native state. He at once opened an office at what was then
No. 93 Diamond street, Pittsburg, now the site of the Frick Building Annex.
He practiced in conjunction with his brother, Charles L. Stevenson, who had
been admitted before he was — about 1892. In 1899 they removed to the
Park Building, where they have since been located, and where they do a gen-
eral law practice. They are among the foremost lawyers in civil cases in the
■ city of Pittsburg. In addition to his legal business Mr. Stevenson is the secre-
tary of the Farmers and Mechanics' Savings Fund Association. Politically
Mr. Stevenson is a Democrat and in church connection he is a member of the
Presbyterian church. He is a member of Milnor Lodge, No. 287, Free and
Accepted Masons, at Pittsburg, and of Pennsylvania Consistory. On April
8, 1896, he married Miss Clara E., daughter of John and Margaret (Clark)
McClester, of Moon township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. No issue.
JOHN MILLER FREEMAN, attorney-at-law and law partner of David
T. Watson, Esquire, of the city of Pittsburg, was born March 13, 1868, on a
farm about one mile from Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and
descends through the following line of ancestry :
(I) Jacob Freeman, a native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were English
people, emigrated to western Pennsylvania and was among the early pioneers
to settle in what is now known as Cook township, Westmoreland county. By
trade he was a miller and operated for many years what is now known as
Weaver's Mills. He married Catherine Taylor, and to them were born eleven
children, as follows: Ehzabeth, Philip, Mary, John, Jacob, Jane, Hannah,
George, Catherine, James and Samuel. Jacob Freeman, the father of this
family, was the great-grandfather of the subject of this notice.
(II) George Freeman, eighth child and fourth son of Jacob and Cath-
erine (Taylor) Freeman, was born February 24, 1805, and was by occupation
a farmer, but also learned the shoemaker's trade. He obtained an ordinary
common school education. Politically he was a Democrat and in church con-
nection a Methodist. He purchased a farm in Cook township, where he resided
until his death, January 13, 1869. He married Catherine Cryly, the eldest of
four children born to John and Anna Mary (Brant) Cryly, who were of
Pennsylvania Dutch parentage. Mrs. Catherine Freeman died April i, 1875,
aged sixty-eight years. The children born to George Freeman and wife were:
Jacob, John. James, George and Nancy Agnes.
(III) John Freeman, second child of George Freeman (11), was born
January 26, 1832, and now resides in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Like his father,
he was a farmer and shoemaker. He received a good education at the com-
mon schools. Politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Presby-
terian church and a highly respected citizen. In i860 he married Rebecca
Guflfy, the youngest of eleven children born to James and Hannah (Scott)
Guflfy. Rebecca Guflfy was born in Sewickley township, Westmoreland county,
Februarv 27, 1836, and died April 20, 1898, at Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The
Guffy family to which she belonged was one of the oldest and largest in west-
ern Pennsylvania. John Freeman and wife were the parents of the following
five children: George A., James G., Sarah Jane, John M. (subject), and
Anna Lucinda.
324 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(IV) John M. Freeman, the fourth child of John and Rebecca (Guffy)
Freeman, born March 13, 1868, after attending the common pubHc schools
entered Washington and Jefferson College, graduating from the same with the
class of 1S93, with the honorary degree of cum laiide. Before he entered col-
lege he taught school three years, and was the professor at the East Liberty
Academy for one year after leaving college. In 1894 he began the study of
law and was admitted to the Allegheny county bar in the month of October,
1896. He read law with the firm of Watson & McCleave. In February, 1904,
he became associated with David T. Watson, Esquire, as his law partner, under
the firm name of Watson & Freeman, and with his partner has been connected
with many celebrated cases and in which the firm has won an enviable reputa-
tion both in Pennsylvania and other states. Politically Mr. Freeman is a sup-
porter of the Democratic party. He is a member of no civic society and is
unmarried.
WILLIAM BRAND, former president of the common council of Pitts-
burg and by occupation a roll turner in the iron mills of Brown & Company,
was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1856, son of William and
Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Brand, who were the parents of nine children, seven
of whom survive. The father was born in Baden, Germany, in 1828. He was
reared there and when eighteen years old entered the military service, and in
1849 was one of the Revolutionists fighting for liberty and after their sur-
render was incarcerated in prison for several months, but finally one morning
at two o'clock he made good his escape under disguise. He finally reached
America without anything but the suit he \\jore. He came on a sailing vessel,
landing in New York after a voyage of forty-nine days. About one month
later he came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. For several years he followed the
river traffic, but subsequently settled in Pittsburg and worked at the boiler
making trade. He died in 1893, aged sixty-five years. Plis wife was born in
Baden, Germany, in 1833, and came to the United States in 1850. She came
to I'ittsburg by the way of the canal from Bufllalo, and she still resides in the
old home in Allegheny City. The children born to William and Elizabeth
(Zimmerman) Brand were nine in number, seven of whom still survive: i.
Catherine, widow of Max Schneider, resides in Allegheny City. 2. Lewis,
captain of the Allegheny City fire department. 3. Elizabeth, unmarried, at
home. 4. Louisa, single, at home. 5. Mathilda, wife of A. L. Gold, a com-
mercial salesman of Allegheny City. 6. Charles P., residing at West View,
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. 7. William, the subject of this notice.
William Brand, reared at home, received but a limited education, for when
but in his ninth year he was set to work in the cotton mills in Allegheny. After
about six months thus engaged he came over into Pittsburg and worked as an
errand boy for about two years for Brunner's book bindery on Fifth avenue.
While serving in this capacity and being associated with lawyers and other
learned men he acquired more knowledge than he had at the schools he had
been permitted to attend a few years. After leaving the book bindery he was
employed with a tobacconist — W. D. Rhinehart — at Wood and Virginia alley,
for about three years. While serving his three-years' time in this position his
father was injured in an explosion at the Standard Oil Refinery, at Sharps-
burg, and in the disaster he rescued several men from the burning oil, but all
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 325
finally died as a result of their burns. Mr. Brand's father had to remain in
linseed oil and lime water for four months, and during the following year the
subject was the only support the family had. During the summer of 1870 he
suffered an attack of typhoid fever, and in the following fall and winter at-
tended German school. In the spring of 187 1 he went to work in the Armstrong
Cork Factory, then located on Water street. Soon after he went into the em-
ploy of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In July, 1872, he went to work
for what is now the firm of Seaman, Sleeth & Company, roll foundrymen. After
finishing his apprenticeship at this business, nine years in all, he had worked
himself up to foreman of the roll turning department. Here he remained for
thirty-one years, having complete charge of the roll turning and all the ma-
chinery and designing from 1881 to 1903, when he left his position to take
charge of the roll turning department at Brown & Company's, at Tenth and
Duquesne way, where he is still employed.
A Republican in politics, Mr.- Brand has ever been active in party work.
From 1884 to 1887 he served as a member on the Allegheny council. He re-
moved to Pittsburg in 1887, and in 1902 was elected to the council of Pittsburg,
reelected in 1904, and in 1906 was made president of the council.
]\Ir. Brand, who has worked his own way through life, knows the value
of civic and social organizations, and is numbered among the members of the
Masonic fraternity, being a member of F. and A. M. Lodge, No. 573 ; also
holds membership in the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Twin City
Lodge, No. 121 ; Pride of the West Lodge, Ancient Order of LInited Work-
men, and Lawrence Council of the Heptasophs.
He married, in 1885, ]\iiss Emma L. Morgenroth, of Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, by whom was born six children, three of whom survive: i. Thurlow
K., born January 11, 1891, now in the high school. 2. Naomia Edith, born
February 24, 1894, at home. 3. Charles Frederick, born May 4, 1901. The
familv reside in the Seventeenth ward of Pittsburg, where the father is a well-
known and highly esteemed citizen.
DELMONT JONES KENNEDY, head of the D. J. Kennedy Company
of Pittsburg, was born March 16, i860, at Squirrel Hill, now the Twenty-third
ward of Pittsburg, son of David A. Kennedy and grandson of David Kennedy,
who was among the early settlers of Allegheny county.
David Kennedy passed the greater part of his life as a farmer at Squirrel
Hill, but in his latter years moved with his family to Kentucky, and there
spent the residue of his days. He was a local preacher of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and one of the founders of the church at Squirrel Hill.
He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Snyder, who bore him
the following children: Joseph, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, de-
ceased, wife of Mr. Carsen, and their only daughter is the wife of Charles
Dickie, of Pittsburg; and David A. David Kennedy, the father, lived to be
nearly one hundred years old. He was buried in Kentucky beside his wife.
David A. Kennedy, son of David Kennedy, was born in 1827, on the old
homestead, received a common school education and made agriculture his life-
work. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hun-
dred and Third Regiment. Pennsylvania Volunteers, for three months, and
after serving his time reenlisted for three years. His regiment was captured
326 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
and sent to Andersonville prison, but he being in the signal service escaped
imprisonment. In consequence of exposure he contracted a fever which proved
the cause of his death. He was a staunch Repubhcan and a devout member of
the Methodist Episcopal church. His death occurred in 1863, and he was
buried in Yorktown, Virginia, and it was not until some time after that the
sad news was conveyed to his widow.
David A. Kennedy married Elizabeth S., daughter of Delmont and
Mary Ann (Carr) Jones. The former was born August 3, 1803, and the latter
June I, 1802. They were married April 2D, 1826, and the following were their
children: James, born January 31, 1828, died February 4, 1859; Edward Carr,
born March 10, 1830, died in 1905; Delmont, born May 26, 1831, died July 8,
1894; Elizabeth S., born February i, 1833, wife of David A. Kennedy; Sarah
Jane, born December 12, 1835; Jemima (twin to Sarah Jane), deceased;
Samuel W., born November 19, 1837, deceased ; Amanda E., twin to Samuel
W., and George W., born August 2, 1840, died December 19, 1858. Mrs. Jones
died March 2, 1875, ^"^ the death of Mr. Jones occurred December 30, 1877.
Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the parents of the following children : James J.,
of Pittsburg; Martha M., wife of B. F. Ferree, a sketch of whose family ap-
pears elsewhere in this work ; Mary P., wife of Alfred Beam ; Delmont Jones,
and Kate M., wife of A. W. Cadman, of Edgewood, Pennsylvania. After the
death of the father of these children their widowed mother, with her young
family, lived on the farm of her father, Delmont Jones, until 1873. In that
year Mrs. Kennedy moved to the East End of Pittsburg, where she still re-
sides. She is a member of the Park Avenue Presbyterian church.
Delmont Jones Kennedy, son of David A. and Elizabeth S. (Jones) Ken-
nedy, spent the years of his early boyhood on the farm of his grandfather
Jones, and was thirteen years old when his mother moved to Pittsburg, where
he attended the public schools and afterward took a course in the Pittsburg
Business College. At the early age of fourteen he became a clerk in a grocery
store, remaining three years, and then obtained a position as bookkeeper in the
coal office of E. D. Smith. After serving one year he embarked in the same
line of business for himself, and has continued to conduct the enterprise with
increasing success ever since. He has four coal yards and also handles build-
ers' supplies, the firm name being the D. J. Kennedy Company, and the main
office is situated in Frankstown avenue.
Mr. Kennedy is the owner of the Bulger Block Coal Company mines at
Bulger, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is general manager of the Dar-
lington Brick & Mining Company, of Darlington, Pennsylvania. He is also one
of the directors of the American Gypsum Company, of Port Clinton, Ohio, and
a stockholder in the Shenango Portland Cement Company. Besides his pres-
ent residence in Graham street, he has other interests in real estate in Pittsburg.
Since 1891 he has belonged to Duquesne Lodge, No. 546, F. and A. M.,
and he also affiliates with Pittsburg Chapter, No. 268 ; Duquesne Commandery,
No. 72, and Pennsylvania Consistory, and in the sphere of politics is identified
with the Republican party. He is a member of the Friendship Avenue Presbv-
terian church, and is now serving on the building committee of the edifice to be
erected in the present year (1907). Despite his extensive business transactions,
which necessarily absorb so much of his attention, he is one of the most active
workers in the church, and for its welfare is ever ready to sacrifice his time
and his own financial interests.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 327
Mr. Kennedy married, November 13, 1884, Annie M. Reed, and they have
become the parents of the following children : Eleanor Ferguson, born Sep-
tember I, 1885, died January 23, 1889, buried in Homewood cemetery; Eliza-
beth Leone, born September 6, 1887; Jean Marshall, born December 5, 1889;
Gertrude Reed, born March 16, 1891 ; Anna Mae, born May 8, 1893; Delmont
Jones, born Alarch 23, 1895; Thomas Reed, born April 20, 1899; and George
Chalfant, born June 15, 1900. Mrs. Kennedy is a daughter of Samuel Miller
■ Reed, who was born November 15, 1817, at New Alexandria, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, grandson of General William Reed, who served in the
war of 1812.
Samuel Miller Reed was educated in the public schools, served as clerk in
a dry goods store and also in a drug store, and for twenty years or more was
engaged in the manufacture of paper at New Alexandria. From i860 to 1892
he had charge of the transfer department of the Pennsylvania Railroad at
Pittsburg. He was offered a nomination for congress but declined the honor.
In politics he was first an old-line Whig, and later an ardent Republican. He
was all his life a devoted Christian, having desired at the early age of seven or
eight years to be admitted to church membership, but being refused on account
of his youth he united at a later period with the Presbyterian church, in which
for forty years he served as elder. The body in which he held this office was
the New Alexandria Presbyterian church, his name appearing on the roll of
its contributors.
Mr. Reed married, July 25, 1849, Eleanor, born April 4, 1830, daughter of
Thomas and Jane (Marshall) Ferguson, and sister of Joseph Ferguson, who
enlisted at the beginning of the Civil war and died at Vicksburg, Virginia, from
the exposure and privation incident to the life of a soldier. Mr. and Mrs.
Reed were the parents of the following children : Thomas, born July 9, 1850,
of East End, Pittsburg; Emma Louisa, born November 18, 185 1, wife of the
Rev. J. J. Hawk, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania; Harriet E., born April 27,
1853, wife of D. J. Rex, of Ingram, Pennsylvania; Laura Ella, born December
16, 1854, died September 23, 1887; Mary Jane, born October 22, 1855, wife of
J. G. Chaffey, of the vicinity of Baltimore; Samuel M., born October 22, 1857,
died in 1858; William M., born August 12, 1859, died in September, 1861 ;
Annie S., born March 17, 1863, wife of Delmont Jones Kennedy; Eleanor F.,
born January 14, 1867, wife of J. S. Felton, of Pittsburg; and Lydia Margaret,
born August 16, 1868, died in September, 1871. At the time of his marriage
to the mother of these children Mr. Reed was a widower, having been previous-
ly married to Elizabeth Parr, by whom he had one son, James Wilson, who
died at Lyons, Kansas. The death of Mr. Reed occurred December 22, 1893.
He is buried in the graveyard of the Presbyterian church at New Alexandria.
COLONEL LEWIS T. BROWN, a veteran of the Civil war and one of
Andrew Carnegie's original partners in the iron industry, was born in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. February 15, 1845, a son of Michael and Rachel (Clancy)
Brown. The grandfather was Lewis Brown, a native of Pennsylvania, born in
the Juniata Valley, near Tyrone. He began the struggle of life in the iron
works of his native place and came to the city of Pittsburg for the purpose of
starting the Shoenberger Iron Works, and was for many years its superintend-
ent. These works included iron rolling mills, and with this particular branch
328 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of the iron industry he was connected as long as he was able to be active. He
resided in what was then styled Bayardstown, but now the Tenth ward of the
city. He possessed great force of character and was highly respected. He was
a devoted Christian worker and active in the German Lutheran church of
Pittsburg, and was one of its most prominent members. He died in his eighty-
fourth year. He married Eliza Slaughterbach, a native of the Juniata Valley,
and who was eighty-two years old at the time of her death, only surviving her
husband a short time. Their union was blessed by nine children, as follows :
I. Michael. 2. Jacob. 3. John. 4. George. 5. Henry. 6. David. 7.
Katherine, all of whom are deceased and were prominent citizens, the sons all
being connected with the various departments of the iron mills, married and
reared families and lived honorable lives in Pittsburg. The last named — Kath-
erine, married a Mr. Miller, and moved to Georgia. 8. Elizabeth, wife of
George Seiter, the mother of a large family and who resided at Cincinnati,
Ohio. 9. Sarah, Mrs. George Powelson, of Pittsburg, now deceased, whose
son, James, was in the Civil war.
' (H) Michael Brown, son of Lewis and Eliza (Slaughterbach) Brown, was
born in Pittsburg and obtained a good common school education. He then
mastered all the various branches of the iron business of his father, and at the
time of his death was superintendent of the plant. He was active in all Chris-
tian work and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a trustee
of the old Wesley chapel, where services were first held. Politically he was a
Republican, but never cared for office. He was married in Pittsburg to Miss
Rachel Clancy, born at Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsjdvania, in 18 10,
and died in 1897. She was the daughter of Lewis Clancy, who was a soldier
in the war of 1812-14, and whose grandfather served in the Revolutionary
struggle. The only child of Michael and Rachel (Clancy) Brown was the
subject, Lewis T. Brown.
(HI) Colonel Lewis T. Brown, subject, received his education in the
Pittsburg schools and enlisted in the Union cause in the time of the Civil
war, September 14, 1861, as a private in Company M, One Hundred and
Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, under command of Colonel Samuel L. Full-
wood. He was advanced to corporal, then to sergeant and lieutenant. He
served faithfully for three years and then re-enlisted as a second lieutenant
in the same company and served until the close of the war. He was mustered
out of service as a first lieutenant in April, 1865. He returned to Pittsburg
and entered the iron mills under his father's direction, and there learned the
business from a puddler to the finishing department. He was advanced to
the position of foreman of the machine shop of the Moorhead & McCleane
plant, and was then promoted to one of the superintendents of the works,
holding the same about six years. Severing his connection with the Moor-
head & McCleane Company he became identified with the Carnegie Steel
Company, and was made general superintendent of the city mills and after-
ward became a partner of Andrew Carnegie, retiring from the concern at the
time it was absorbed by the Trust.
Politically Colonel Brown is a Republican. He served eighteen years
as a member of the city council, belonging to both branches of the city
government — select and common councils — and made an enviable public rec-
ord for himself in the affairs of the municipality. As a military man Colonel
Brown stands in the front rank, being associated with the Pennsylvania
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 329
National Guards, his service dating from 1870. He is now lieutenant colonel
on Governor Stuart's staff. Like so many of the progressive men of modern
days he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, beloi^ging to Pittsburg
Lodge, No. 45, which he joined in 1870; he is now a past master of that
body. He is also a member of Tancred Commanderv, No. 48, as well as
Chapter No. 162 of the same order. He is on the building committee for the
erection of the proposed Soldiers' Memorial Hall of Pittsburg, and stands
high in all civic and social relations.
The subject has been twice married, first to Miss C. May Baughman, in
1867. She was a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, the daughter
of the highly respected family of Daniel Baughman. She died in 1883, aged
thirty-four years, and was buried in the Allegheny Cemetery. For his second
wife Mr. Brown married Elizabeth Peebles, daughter of Andrew Peebles and
wife of Pittsburg, who are of English origin. ]\Irs. Brown was educated in
the most excellent schools of Pittsburg. By this union was born one daugh-
ter, named Helen, now a student at Miss Fuller's school, New York. Mr.
Brown resides in a charming home at No. 605 North Negley avenue, which
was erected in 1900.
THE LUDEBUEHL FAAHLY, which is ably represented in the present
generation by three brothers — Christian, Henry W. and George W., all well-
known business men of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, trace their descent through
German ancestors to the French Huguenots. The earlier members of this
family fled from the religious persecution of France, and made their home
in Germanv. where they lived for a number of generations.
John Peter Ludebuehl, the American ancestor of this family, was born
in Germany February 19, 1836. He received a good common school educa-
tion in his native land, and there also learned the trade of wagon building.
Deciding that the new world offered better opportunities for a young man, he
emigrated to the L'nited States in 1853, coming directly to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, where he had expected to meet a friend, who had, however, removed
to McKeesport, and ]\Ir. Ludebuehl found himself "a stranger in a strange
land," and with but fifty cents in his possession. He was unable to find em-
ployment at the trade he had learned in his native country, and some of his
countrymen assisted him in finding work at boot and shoemaking, at which he
worked for a period of three years, his compensation to be his board and
clothing during that time and fifty dollars in money at the expiration of this
time. He then found employment with a Mr. Eichenlaub, of Allegheny City,
doing piece work, and remained with him three years, after which he went to
McKeesport and followed the same trade for several years. He then returned
to Pittsburg, where he obtained work in the shop of Hiltz & Gemmer, and,
being thrifty and saving, when Mr. Hiltz died he was able to purchase his
interest in the business from the widow, and continued in partnership with
Mr. Gemmer until the death of the latter in 1867, when he took sole charge
of the concern, purchasing the interest of Mr. Gemmer from the estate of that
gentleman. He employed about thirty-five hands, and his trade was for the
greater part custom business. ■ He did all the cutting himself and gave his
personal attention to all the smallest details of the business, thus enjoving
the confidence of his customers and becoming famous for the reliability of
330 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
his work. When machine work was introduced in his trade he commenced to
handle this class of goods, and built up a large trade in this also. He con-
tinued to carry on the business in Penn street until 1890, when he disposed
of it and came to the East End, opening a store at the intersection of Penn
and Frankstown avenues, under the firm name of P. Ludebuehl & Son, and
was engaged in this until his death, October 20, 1902. He was one of the
stockholders in the Kational Trust Company, in which he had invested a large
amount of money. When the company failed many of the other stockholders
assigned any real property that was in their names to others, and so evaded
the just payment of their indebtedness, but Mr. Ludebuehl paid the full amount
of the stock in his possession. He was also to some extent interested in
building and real estate operations. He was a man of strict integrity, upright
and honest in all his dealings, and esteemed by his fellow citizens. He was
a member of the Protestant Evangelical church, served as elder for many
years, was a member of the board of trustees, and contributed liberally to the
institution, both of his time and money. He was a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows for many years and up to the time of his death.
He married, in Pittsburg, March 4, 1867, Rev. Walters, LL. D., officiat-
ing, Dorothea Werth, who came to America in 1866. She was born in Ger-
many, July 21, 1839, daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth (Laure) Werth, the
former a farmer who died in Germany. For a time Mrs. Dorothea (Werth)
Ludebuehl made her home with Mr. Gemmer, but later her mother came to
this country with the other children of the family, who were : Mrs. Albert
Gunst, Mrs. Henry Keil, Mrs. Elizabeth Solomon, Henry and Christian
Werth, all now residing in Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Ludebuehl had children :
I. Alagdalene, born in 1868, died in infancy. 2. Christian, see forward. 3.
Anna, born in October, 1871, died February 19, 1907. She married Albert
Apfelbach, who is connected with the Frcihcitsfrcund, a German daily news-
paper published in Pittsburg. 4. Henry William, see forward. 5. John
Peter, Jr., born May 26, 1876. He was a student in the public schools of
Pittsburg, and then took up music as a profession, in which he has met with
undoubted success. He went to the Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio,
then gave lessons at the college in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, for one year,
after which he gave private instruction in music for one year, and then ac-
cepted a position as musical instructor in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which he held
for three years. He resigned this position in order to go to Berlin, Germany,
where he pursued his studies further, and then returned to this country and
resumed his work at Tuscaloosa. He is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons and of the Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Presby-
terian church. 6. Amelia Katherine, born in December, 1879, resides with
her mother. 7. George William, see forward.
Christian Ludebuehl, eldest .son and second child of John Peter and
Dorothea (Werth) Ludebuehl, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, August
30, 1869. His education was acquired in public and private schools and under
the tuition of Professor Bourgyne, from whom he received a thorough business
training. For three years he was employed in the business of his father, and
he then accepted a position as salesman in the shoe department of the Gusky's
department store, remaining there for a period of three and a half vears. At
the end of this time his father opened the new store at Penn and Frankstown
avenues, under the firm name of P. Ludebuehl & Son, and they built up a fine
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 331
, business. Since the death of the father they have added the adjoining premises
to the original store and now have special departments for the various kinds
of footwear. Mr. Ludebuehl was appointed administrator of the estate of his
father, and he carries on the business on the same plan which had been laid
out by him and which proved so successful. He is a member of the Evangel-
ical Protestant church, and has served eleven years as an elder and eight years
as a member of the finance and musical committees. He is a member of
Hailman Lodge, No. 321, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Junior Order
of United American Mechanics.
He married, April 17, 1895, Rev. Frederick Rueff officiating, Amelia
Margaret Lanz, born July 28, 1870. She is a graduate of Curry's Institute,
class of 1887. George Lanz, father of Mrs. Ludebuehl, was born in Germany
in 1840, came to America in 1865, and carried on a bakery in Penn avenue
up to the time of his death in 1893. He married, in i86g, Katherine Wer-
rich, born in Germany in i8'44, came to this country in 1866, and they had but
one child, Amelia Margaret, mentioned above. Mr. and Mrs. Ludebuehl had
children : George Lanz, born in Pittsburg, ]\Iarch 5, 1896 ; Dorothea Amelia,
born in Pittsburg, July 23, 1899; and Albert Christian, born in Pittsburg,
February 26, 1902.
Henry William Ludebuehl, second son and fourth child of John Peter
and Dorothea (Werth) Ludebuehl, was born in Pittsburg, October 19, 1873.
His early education was obtained in the public schools of his native city, and
he then attended the Iron City Business College, from which he was graduated
with the class of 1889. His first business position was in the ofiice of Epping,
Carpenter & Company, where he was engaged in clerical work for a period
of two years and then took charge of the books in his father's store until
1900, when he became a messenger in the City Deposit Bank of Pittsburg,
later advancing to the position of clearing house clerk, and from this through
various grades until in 1904 he had charge of the savings department, and
later became teller of the commercial department, in which capacity he now
officiates. He is secretary of the Dime Savings Fund and Loan Association,
and is considerably interested in the real estate field, having built a number of
the fine residences in the city, among them being his own home at No. 1103
Herberton avenue, into which he has just moved. He is a member of Taber-
nacle Presbvterian church, has served as an elder for eight years and has
taught in the Sunday-school for twelve years. He contributed largely to the
building fund of the church at Collins avenue and Station street. In politics
he is a Republican, and he is connected with the following organizations :
Hailman Lodge, No. 321, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Young Men's
Christian Association, in which he is a member of the board of managers.
He married, June 24, 1898, Rev. George W. Morris, pastor of the Metho-
dist Protestant church, officiating, Mary Lillian Owens, born in Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1873. daijghter of Evan and Elizabeth A.
( Price ) Owens. Edward Owens, grandfather of Mrs. Ludebuehl. was a
native of Wales, who emigrated to America and was among the first residents
of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he died at the age of fifty-four years.
He established the first white lead factory in the western part of Pennsylvania
Und was a man of influence in the community. He married, in Wales, Eliza-
beth Price, also a native of that country, who died at the age of eighty-two
years. They had children: John, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-
332
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
seven, and Evan. Evan Owens was born in Allegheny City, October lo,
1842, and died there April 22, 1899. He was a graduate of the Iron City
Business College, and for several years carried on a drug store in his native
city. He then entered the employ of James A. Johnston, a lumber dealer, for
whom he was engaged in clerical work until his death. He was a member
of the Welsh Congregational church, and a stanch supporter of the Republican
party. He married, December 23, 1878, Elizabeth A. Price, born in Ebens-
burg, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1850, daughter of William
D. and Elizabeth (Thomas) Price, both natives of Wales, and they had chil-
dren: I. Annie E., married J. Hone Humphrie, of Germantown, Philadelphia,
and has one daughter, Elizabeth. 2. Mary Lillian, mentioned previously. 3.
Nellie May, married John M. Elias, of East Liberty, and has one daughter,
Jeannette. 4. William Richard, deceased. 5. Edward A., employed in the
Citv Deposit Bank. 6. Margaret Luella, resides with her parents at No. 483
Inwood street. Mr. and ]\Irs. Ludebuehl have had children : Henry William,
Jr., born in Pittsburg, December 5, 1890; Richard Owens, born July 18, 1903.
George William Ludebuehl, fourth son and seventh and youngest child
of John Peter and Dorothea (Werth) Ludebuehl, was born in Pittsburg Au-
gust II, 1882. His education was acquired in the public and high schools of
his native city, and he was graduated from the latter institution with the class
of 1899. He accepted a position as shipping clerk in the office of the Carnegie
Steel Company, which he held for a period of six years, at the end of which
time he became a member of the firm of P. Ludebuehl & Son. He is a staunch
upholder of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the
First Evangelical church of Pittsburg, of the Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, and of the National Union Protective Association. He resides with his
mother.
THE WAINWRIGHT FAMILY, which has been closely identified with
the social and business affairs of the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, since the
beginning of the nineteenth century, is ably represented by the present genera-
tion.
(I) Joseph W^ainwright, the American ancestor of this family, was
born in Berkshire, England, October 17, 1779, and died in Pittsburg, Peun-
sylvania, December 23, 1866. He emigrated to this country in 1803, settling
in Pittsburg in what is now known as the Fifteenth ward. He established the
Winterton brewery in 1818, and after several years, in which he accumulated
much property, including a large amount of real estate, he returned to his
native country to visit the scenes of his childhood days. Later the brewery
was transferred to his sons, who operated it for many years. Joseph Wain-
wright was baptized in the old Penish Episcopal church in England, where he
was subsequently married. He and his family were members of the St. John's
Episcopal church of Pittsburg. He married, January 7, 1801, Elizabeth
Greaves, born February 16, 1782, died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 10,
1852, and both she and her husband were interred in the Allegheny cemetery.
Their children were: i. Olivia, born December 3, 1801. married Thomas
Benn ; died March 27, 1882. 2. Edwin, see forward. 3. Jarvis, born Novem-
ber 19, 1806, died August 5, 1874. 4. Ellis, born January 23, 1809, was a
man of prominence in St. Louis, Missouri, where he died. 5. Martha G.,
Iwrn March i, 1811; married William Withnell : died I\Iay 27. 1886. 6.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 333
Zachariah. 7. Samuel, a resident of St. Louk, Missouri. 8. Mary Ann. mar-
ried Edmund Wilkins. 9. Eliza, married, first, Samuel Humes ; second, a
Mr. Bond. 10. Charles, died in youth. 11. Harriett, died in youth.
(H) Edwin Wainwright, eldest son and second child of Joseph (I)
and Elizabeth (Greaves) Wainwright, was born in Berkshire, England, De-
cember 8, 1803, and was but eighteen months of age when he came to America
with his parents. He was educated in the schools of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
received a thorough and practical training in the business of his father, under
the careful personal supervision of the latter, and was engaged in this all his
life. He married Abigail Ewalt, born in Warren, Ohio, August 2, 1808, died
October 27, 1866. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and a kind and loving wife and mother, who ever sought the good will
and happiness of those about her. Their children were: i. Samuel Jacob,
see forward. 2. Joseph Z., born February 29, 1832. 3. Harrison Ewalt,
concerning whom see forward.
(HI) Samuel Jacob Wainwright, eldest child of Edwin (II) and
Abigail (Ewalt) Wainwright, was born on the old homestead in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. December 29, 1829, died July 5, 1891. His education was
acquired in the public schools of the city of his birth, and he was then ap-
prenticed to learn the coppersmith's trade at the old Scaife Foundry and fol-
lowed this occupation for several years. Later he associated himself with his
uncles and brothers in the brewery business and had charge of the office. In
addition to his labors in the brewing business he was interested in a number
of other business enterprises. He was one of the directors of the Arsenal
Bank for many years, and filled the office of president for sixteen years, and
was a director in the old Pittsburg Gas Company. His political support was
given to the Republican party, in whose interests he was active. He served
as a member of the city council for many years, and was a member of the
legislature. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal church, and fraternally
associated with the Order of Free and Accepted ]\Iasons and Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He married, August 14, 1856, Alary Frances Benn,
born in Helmesley, England, daughter of Thomas Benn. She was a devout
member of the Episcopal church, and was a consistent Christian woman.
Their children were: r. Eliza, died in childhood. 2. Edwy Z., born in 1859,
died in December, 19O3. He was for a time bookkeeper in the Wainwright
brewery, and when it became merged into the Pittsburg Brewing Company
he was made manager, a position he held until his death, at which time he was
also president of the Arsenal Bank. His family resides at the corner of
Rippey and St. Clair streets. He married Ida R. Moore, daughter of James
and Eliza Moore, and they had children : Samuel J., Jr., deceased, and Edwy
Z., Jr. 3. Samuel Jacob, of whom later. 4. John E., born in 1862, died
Fel)ruary 17, 1907. 5. Abigail Ewalt, resides at No. 328 Highland avenue,
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
(Ill) Harrison Ewalt Wainwright, third and youngest son and child of
Edwin and Abigail (Ewalt) Wainwright. was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
Tanuarv 17, 1835. He was a student in the public schools of the city until he
"was seventeen years of age, when he entered upon his business career in the
brewery owned by his family. He began in the lowest position in order to
obtain a thorough and practical knowledge of all the details involved, and
made his way through the various departments until he had attained the posi-
334' A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
tion of superintendent, and was connected with this enterprise all his life.
He is connected with various other business undertakings, and is a man of
great enterprise. He is one of the directors of the Arsenal Bank, and was one
of the capitalizers of the Sterling Steel and Foundry Company of Braddock,
Pennsylvania. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and has
been a member of the city council and prominent in municipal affairs. He is
a member of the Episcopal church and is prominent in the cause of charity.
He married, January i8, 1859. Clarissa Copeland, born in Pittsburg, February
6, 1839, daughter of Samuel K. and Lucinda (Hogen) Copeland, and they
had children: Ida Jane, married Dr. Jaynes McFarland, has four children;
Anna L., married Harry W. Wood ; Carrie W., married Uriah Tinker, has
four children; Harrison E., Jr., see forward; Mary Mildred; Winifred Grace,
died in infancy ; Bessie Edna, died in young womanhood.
(IV) Samuel Jacob Wainwright, Jr., second son and third child of
Samuel Jacob (HI) and Mary Frances (Benn) Wainwright, was born in
what is now the Fifteenth ward of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, December i,
i860. He was educated in the public and high schools of his native city, and
at the age of twelve years entered the employ of the Arsenal Bank, where he
was a messenger and teller for two years. He then entered the family brew-
ery, in which he assumed the management in 1885, and in 1899 the entire
business was merged into that of the Pittsburg Brewing Company. Mr.
Wainwright then engaged in the brokerage business, his office being in the
Frick Annex Building. He is president of the Sterling Steel & Foundry Com-
pany of Braddock, Pennsylvania. He is connected with the following business
enterprises : Treasurer of the H. W. French Company, director in the Parish
& Bingham Pressed Steel Company of Cleveland, Ohio, and stockholder in the
Arsenal Bank, Bank of Pittsburg, Union Trust Company, Pittsburgh Trust
Company, American National Bank and Second National Bank of Pittsburg.
He has taken a prominent part in the public affairs of Pittsburg and served
in the select council from 1888 to 1897 from the Fifteenth ward, and from
1898 to 1906 from the Eighteenth ward. He is a member of the Duquesne
Club, the Country Club, and is president of the Americus Republican Club.
He married, in 1892, Ella Waters, daughter of Moses Waters, and their
children were : Esther, Grover, deceased ; Leroy, Grant and Marcus Hanna.
(IV) Harrison Ewalt Wainwright, Jr., only son and fourth child of
Harrison Ewalt (III) and Clarissa (Copeland) Wainwright, was born at
Lawrenceville, now the Seventeenth ward of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April
7, 1873. He also was educated in the public schools of his native city, and at
a suitable age entered the employ of the Union Steel Casting Company, as
bookkeeper, of which he was also a stockholder. The interests in the Union
Steel Casting Company were disposed of, and when the Sterling Steel Foundry
Company was incorporated, May 9, 1902, Mr. Wainwright became its present
secretary. He is interested in a number of other financial enterprises in Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania. He is a member of St. John's Episcopal church,
and his political affiliations are with the Republican party.
He married, October 2, 1900, Mary Mildred Patton, born in Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Sophia M. (Snyder) Patton. the
former a prominent merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Wainwright have had children:
I. Harrison Ewalt, the third, born April 3, 1901, died March 19, 1902. 2.
Clarissa Margaret, born January 21, 1904.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 335
THE BRAINARD FAMILY. Edward Heaton Brainard. member of
the firm of Brainard Brothers, Hve stock dealers of Greater Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, and New York City, and prominently identified with a number of.
other financial and commercial enterprises, is a worthy representative of the
Brainard family, which was among the earliest settlers from England in this
country.
(I) Daniel Brainard, the American ancestor of this family, was brought
■ to America when a child of eight years, and lived in Hartford, Connecticut.
His home was with the Wyllys family, and he remained with them until he had
attained the age of twenty-one 3'ears. After his arrival in this country he
received a letter from his mother in England, in which the family name is
spelled Brainwood, so it is to be presumed that this was the original spelling,
but the form of Brainard has been retained through the successive generations.
His name is on record as a settler and proprietor of Haddam, Connecticut,
in 1669, and he appears to have been a man of considerable influence and
prominence in matters of both church and state. He had apparentlv acquired
a good education, and served as justice of the peace for a number of years.
He was one of the leading spirits in the building of a church, and served in
that institution as a deacon. He married (first) Hannah Spencer, daughter of
Garrard Spencer, of Lynn, Massachusetts, and they had children: Daniel,
Jr., born, March 2, 1665; Hannah, November 20, 1667; James, June 2, 1669;
Joshua, July 20, 1671 ; William, March 30, 1673; Caleb, November 20, 1675;
Elijah, see forward; Hezekiah, 1680 or 1681. Daniel Brainard married (sec-
ond) ]\Irs. Hannah Saxton, a widow, whose maiden name was also Saxton.
(H) Elijah Brainard, sixth son and seventh child of Daniel (I) and
Hannah (Spencer) Brainard, was born at Haddam, Connecticut, in 1677. He
married (first) Mary Bushell, by whom he had children: Mary, born January
20, 1700; Abigail, June 18, 1702; Joseph, January 12, 1704; Elijah, Jr., Sep-
tember 27, 1706; Thankful, July 22, 1709; Rachael, May 13, 1712: Jabez,
February 19, 1715. He married (second) Margaret , and they were
the parents of: Esther, born August 16, 1717, and Phineas, see forward.
(HI) Phineas Brainard, only son and second and youngest child of
Elijah (H) and Margaret Brainard, was born October 17, 1720. He married,
November 9, 1741, Jerusha Towner, and they had children: Jerusha, born
September 9. 1742; Phineas, March 20. 1744, died in infancy; Elizabeth, born
March 22, 1745; Phineas, January 2, 1747; Esther, March 9, 1749; Henry,
see forward; Herman, born 1754; and John, November 5, 1757.
(I\') Henry Brainard, third son and sixth child of Phineas (HI) and
Jerusha (Towner) Brainard, was born March i, 1751. He married Huldah
, and had a number of children, among them being: George and Cal-
vin Cone, of whom see forward.
(V) Calvin Cone Brainard. son of Henry (IV) and Huldah ( )
Brainard. He married Sophia Fitch, and they had several children, among
them being Ira Fitch.
(\T ) Ira Fitch Brainard, son of Calvin Cone (V) and Sophia (Fitch)
Brainard, was born on a farm in Canfield, ^Mahoning county, Ohio, January
8, 1840. He removed to Boardman, Ohio, in 1849, where he attended public
and private schools and the academy at Poland, that state. His next place of
residence was Salem, Ohio, to which he removed in the spring of 1857, and
where he attended the high school. He was engaged in business for his father
336 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
from 1859 until 1862, then he left for the Army of the Cumberland as commis-
sary clerk to Captain Jacob Heaton, who was on the staff of General James A.
Garfield, late president of the United States. His business career is as fol-
lows : Engaged in business in Salem, Ohio, 1864 ; came to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, in August, 1867, removed to Highland avenue two years later, and
has been engaged in the live stock business since that time. He has been
president of the Live Stock Exchange for about ten years ; was one of the
organizers of the Liberty National Bank, and was president for about ten
years ; organized the Liberty Savings Bank ; is a director and large stockholder
in the Westmoreland Specialty Glass Works ; is a large stockholder and presi-
dent of the Central Stock Yards of Louisville, Kentucky ; is a member of the
firm of Brainard Brothers, doing business in the Produce Exchange, New
York, and is a member of the New York Produce Exchange at the present
time. He married, September i, 1862, Frances Heaton, and they have had
children: i. Edward Heaton, see forward; Clifford C, born in February,
1876; and James J., see forward.
(VH) Edward Heaton Brainard, eldest child of Ira Fitch (VI) and
Frances (Heaton) Brainard, was born in Salem, Ohio, April 2, 1867. His
education, which was an excellent one, was as follows : Public schools, Newell
Institute of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Adams Academy, at Quincy, Massachu-
setts ; Phillips Academy, at Andover, Massachusetts, from which he was grad-
uated and passed his entrance examination to Yale University, which, how-
ever, he has not attended. He returned to Pittsburg in 1888, entered the office
of Brainard Brothers, and was made a member of the firm in 1900. He acts
in the capacity of purchasing agent for the firm, having charge of all the
agencies of the business throughout the west, a very responsible position. His
political affiliations are with the Republican party, and he is a member of the
Presbyterian church. He is vice-president of the Pittsburgh Country Club,
and a director of the association. He married, October 6, 1890, Adalaide
Boyle, born June 10, 1867, daughter of John D. and Frances (Halstead)
Boyle, the former a prominent coal and coke operator now living retired from
business affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Brainard have had children : Edward H.,
Jr., born November 17, 1893, died January 3, 1905; Frances, born November
30, 1895; Adelaide, born August 15, 1897; Ira Fitch, born February 4, 1902;
and Margaret, born November 5, 1907.
(VII) James J. Brainard, third son of Ira Fitch and Frances Brainard,
was born in the Nineteenth ward, Pittsburg, October 22, 1878. He attended
the public schools and Shady Side Academy, graduated from Phillips Acad-
emy, Andover, Massachusetts, attended Yale College, New Haven, Connecti-
cut, for two years, and left college to go into business. He is now in the
manufacturing business in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He married Miss Arline
Manning, of Andover, Massachusetts, June 17, 1903.
REV. ANDREW A. LAMBING, LL.D., Roman Catholic priest and au-
thor, was born at Manorville, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, February i,
1842. He is descended from Christopher Lambing, who emigrated to America
from Alsace in the vicinity of Strasburg in 1749, and settled in Bucks county,
where he died about 1817, at the age of ninety-nine years. Some of his fam-
ily passed to Adams county, where his son Matthew married and settled in
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 337
New Oxford, where Michael A., the father of the subject of this sketch, was
born October 10, 1806. The family came west to Armstrong county in 1823.
Here Michael married Anne Shields, December i, 1837. She was descended
from Thomas Shields, who emigrated from county Donegal, Ireland, about
1760, and settled in Amberson's valley, Franklin county; but his grandson
\\illiam came to Armstrong county in 1798 and made his home near Kittan-
ning, where his daughter Anne was born July 4, 1814. Michael was the father
of five sons and four daughters, of whom Andrew Arnold was the third son
and child. Both parents were remarkable through life for their tender and
consistent piety and for the care they bestowed on the education and training of
their children. Three of their sons fought in the Civil war, one of them losing
his life and another becoming disabled ; two of their sons are priests, and a
daughter a Sister of Charity.
Trained in the school of rigid poverty, Andrew began work on a farm
before he was eight years old, and a few years later found employment in a
fire-brick yard, where he spent nearly six years, with about four months'
schooling in each winter ; and two years in an oil refinery, a considerable part
of which time he worked from three o'clock in the afternoon to six the next
morning, being at the same time foreman of the works. During this time he
managed to steal a few hours as opportunity permitted to devote to study and
useful reading, for reading has been the passion of his life. At the age of
twenty-one he entered St. Michael's Preparatory and Theological Seminary,
Pittsburg, where he made his course in the higher studies, frequently rising at
three o'clock in the morning to continue his course, and being nearly all that
time prefect of the students. He was ordained to the priesthood in the sem-
inary chapel by Bishop Domenec, of Pittsburg, August 4, 1869. He was then
sent to St. Francis College, Loretto, Pennsylvania, as professor, with the addi-
tional obligation of assisting the pastor of the village church on Sundays with
the exception of one Sunday in each month, when he ministered to the little
congregation of Williamsburg, Blair county, about forty miles distant. On
the following January he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's church, Cam-
eron Bottom, Indiana county, where he remained till the end of April, when
he was named pastor of St. Alary's church, Kittanning, with its numerous out-
missions. While there he built a little church a few miles west of the Alle-
gheny river for the accommodation of the families residing there, and in the
middle of January, 1873, he was sent to Freeport, with the additional charge
of the congregation at Xatrona, six miles distant. But at the end of six months
he was appointed chaplain of St. Paul's Orphan Asylum, Pittsburg, with a
view of bettering its financial condition. This, however, was rendered impos-
sible by the financial crisis of the fall of the same year, and he was named pas-
tor of the church of St. Mary of Mercy, at the Point in the same city, January
7, 1874. Here he placed the schools in charge of the Sisters of Mercy, bought
and fitted up a non-Catholic church for the congregation, and placed an altar
in it dedicated to "Our Lady of the Assumption at the Beautiful River," as a
memorial of the one that stood in the chapel of Fort Duquesne during the
French occupation in the middle of the previous century ; and also built a resi-
dence. But the encroachment of the railroads began to drive the people out
in such numbers that he was transferred to St. James' church, Wilkinsburg, an
eastern suburb of the city, October 15, 1885, where he still remains. The con-
gregation was then small, numbering about one hundred and sixty families,
ill— 22
338 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
with a little frame church, but it soon began to increase rapidly. His first care
was to open a school, which he placed in charge of the Sisters of Charity, and
in the summer of 1888 he enlarged the church, which, however, was occupied
only three months when it was entirely destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, he
immediately undertook the present combination church and school building,
which was dedicated just a year after the destruction of the other. So rapid
has been the growth of the town and the increase of the congregation that an
assistant has been required since the spring of 1897; and, although parts of
three new congregations have been taken from it, it still numbers nearly six
hundred families.
As a writer Father Lambing is the author of "The Orphan's Friend"
(1875), "The Sunday-school Teacher's Manual" (1877), "A History of the
Catholic Church in the Dioceses of Pittsburg and Allegheny" (1880), "The
Register of Fort Duquesne, Translated from the French, with an Introductory
Essay and Notes" (1885), "The Sacramentals of the Holy Catholic Church"
(1892), "Come, Holy Ghost" (1901), "The Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary" (1904). and "The Fountain of Living Water" (1907).
Besides these he has written a considerable number of religious and historical
pamphlets, and a considerable part of the large "History of Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania," "The Centennial History of Allegheny County" (1888) and
"The Standard History of Pittsburg" (i'898). In 1884 he started the Catholic
Historical Researches, a quarterly magazine and the first of its kind devoted
to the history of the Catholic church in this country, now continued by Mr.
Martin I. J. Griffin, of Philadelphia, as a monthly ; and he is a constant con-
tributor to periodicals on religious and historical subjects. The editor of "The
Standard History of Pittsburg" says of him that "He has done more than any
other one man to place in \Dermanent form the valuable and fast-perishing early
records." For a number of years he was president of the Historical Society
of Western Pennsylvania, and he is one of the trustees of the Carnegie Insti-
tute and the Carnegie Technical School of Pittsburg.
As a churchman he was for many years president of the Clerical Relief
Association of the diocese of Pittsburg, and was president of the board that
prepared the diocesan school exhibit for the Columbian Exposition. For nine
years he was fiscal procurator of the diocese of Pittsburg, has long been the
censor of books, and is now president of the diocesan school board. Of regular
habits and inheriting the health of his fathers, standing six feet tall, with heavy
frame, he seemed built for labor and endurance, and he was more than thirty
years on the mission before he was off duty for a single day on account of ill
health, although he has never taken a vacation. In 1883 the University of
Notre Dame, Indiana, conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts, and two
years later that of Doctor of Laws.
THE BLAIR FAMILY. This family, which has been settled in the state
of Pennsylvania since the early days of the colony, is ably represented in the
present generation by James Fairman and Reed Fairman Blair, the former an
extensive dealer in real estate, the latter head of the iron and steel brokerage
firm of Reed F. Blair & Company, and both connected with a number of other
enterprises. Their paternal great-grandfather Blair was born and resided in
Philadelphia, and the maternal ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 339
John Blair, grandfather of the above mentioned two representatives of the
Blair family, was born in Philadelphia, in 1806, and died November 10, 1868.
He was apprenticed to learn the trade of milling, which he followed for several
years, and was still a young man when he removed to Pittsburg. Subsequently
he became a resident of Perrysville, where he also followed this occupation,
and in 1838 removed to Allegheny City, where he engaged in contracting and
building. He was thus occupied until about three years prior to his death. He
was a member of the Presbyterian church, and affiliated with the Republican
party. He married Nancy Alorrow, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Sipley)
Morrow, of Perrysville, and they had children: Thomas, John K., see for-
ward; Henry S., Mary, who married Charles Reed; Fannie, married Thomas
Randolph ; Lydia, married Cyrus D. Rynd ; Jane, married James Menold ;
Ella, married Robert B. Willison, and Charles S.
John K. Blair, second son and child of John and Nancy (Morrow) Blair,
was "born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1839, and died September
5, 1875. His early education was obtained in the public schools of that sec-
tion, and he then attended Iron City College. The first step in his business
career was a clerkship in the store of A. M. Marshall & Company, in Allegheny
City. He was one of three men in 1868 to organize the dry goods firm of Boggs,
Blair & Buhl, and continued a member of this firm until his death. He was a
lover of fine horses, and took great pleasure in driving and kindred sports. ^
He was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He \ vJ-''
was a member of the United Presbyterian church, was a member of the board ^ , X"-^
of trustees, and was actively connected with the Sabbath-school work. He -
married, October 4, i860. Rev. Thomas Brochen, pastor of the Methodist
Episcopal church, officiating,- Julia A. Fairman, born in Pittsburg, June 5, 1841.
Her great-grandfather, Thomas Fairman, was chief civil engineer of William
Penn. and extended the hospitality of his home to Penn upon the latter's ar-
rival in this country. The celebrated "Treaty Tree" was located directly in
front of Mr. Fairman's home. ]Mrs. Blair's grandfather was a resident of
Pittsburg as early as 1800. Her father, James Fairman, was born in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1808. He carried on a harness shop for
manv years, and then engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He
was a man of influence in his day, and was a member of the Republican party.
He married Julia Keller, and had children: Jane, died in infancy; Emeline,
married John R. Richardson ; Jane, deceased, married John White ; Kinley,
deceased ; Henry, deceased ; Joseph W., deceased ; John, deceased ; Julia A.,
mentioned above ; Elizabeth, married Henry Rhoads ; Edwin F., deceased ;
Ella M., married H. M. Brandon ; Samuel Reed. Mr. and Mrs. John K. Blair
have had children, i. Julia Fairman, born September 12, 1861, died Novem-
ber 3, 1864. 2. Thomas M., born September 7, 1863, died July 4, 1878. 3.
James Fairman, see forward. 4. John C, born April 19, 1867, died March 13,
1875. 5. Reed Fairman, see forward. 6. Edwin Gordon, born December
3, 1870, died March 11, 1875. 7. Dale, born April 20. 1873, died in infancy.
8. Lvdia L., born July 13. 1874. married Henry L. Schillip, and resides at
Sheridan, Pennsylvania. They have children : Henry, Lewis and Elizabeth B.
Tames Fairman Blair, second son and third child of John K. and Julia A.
(Fairman) Blair, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1865.
His preparatory education was acquired in the public schools of his native city,
and this was supplemented by study at Iron City College. He began his busi-
340 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ness career as a civil engineer in the employ of David j\I. Watt, superintendent
of the Monongahela division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, continuing with
this company for a period of twelve years. His next field of labor was with
the McKinley Coal Company, in which he was a stockholder, and later he
became associated with his brother in the firm of Reed F. Blair & Companv.
At present Air. Blair is actively interested in real estate and was for several
years connected with the Duquesne Realty Company and the West Pittsburg
Realty Company. His religious training was that of the United Presbyterian
church, but he now worships in the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Blair
is a member. He takes no active part in political matters, but gives his sup-
port to the Republican party.
He married, February 14, 1885, Margaret L. McKinley, daughter of
Robert and Zilla (Clark) McKinley, the former of whom is one of the leading
men of West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and has served thirtv years as justice
of the peace for Center county. Mr. and Mrs. James Fairman Blair have had
children: Dale McKinley, born June 4, 1887, died November 5, 1902; Julia
Theerman, born September 2, 1888.
Reed Fairman Blair, fourth son and fifth child of John K. and Julia A.
(Fairman) Blair, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1868.
He received a liberal education in the schools of his native city, and then took
up the study of telegraphy. He obtained a position in the telegraph depart-
ment of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Pittsburg, and was afterward
employed in the general office of the Carnegie Works. He was clerk in the
Pittsburg Bessemer Steel Company, Limited, and later private telegraph oper-
ator and clerk in the office of the chairman of the Carnegie Company. His
next position was that of cashier and later private secretary to William L.
Abbott, chairman of Carnegie, Phipps & Company, Limited. He resigned his
connection with the Carnegie interests in the latter part of 1893, and entered
the iron and steel brokerage business, under the firm name of Reed F. Blair &
Company, with present offices in the Frick Building. He has large warehouses
in East Liberty, Pittsburg, and has several other business interests. He is a
director in the Marshall Foundry Company, and has an interest in the Trum-
bull Brick Company at Warren, Pennsylvania. He is a member of Crescent
Lodge, No. 576, Free and Accepted Masons, of chapter and commanderv, and
is a thirty-second degree Mason. His political affiliations are with the Repub-
lican party, and he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He married, April 7, 1892, Rev. J. C. Bruce, D. D., officiating, Jane
Brackenridge Adams, born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1871,
daughter of Thomas D. and Anna Gazzam (Brackenridge) Adams, and a
descendant of Hugh Henry Brackenridge, first chief justice of the state of
Pennsylvania. Reed Fairman and Jane Brackenridge (Adams) Blair have had
children : Raymond Adams, bom January 8, 1893 ; John K., born November
19, 1895; and James Fairman, born February 6, 1897.
CARNEGIE FREE LIBRARY OF McKEESPORT, PENNSYL-
VANIA. The credit of securing the present library building for the city of
McKeesport is justly due the Woman's Club of that city. The secretan- of the
club wrote Mr. Carnegie in the spring of 1899, stating the needs of the city
in this direction, and in due course of time a reply was received from him in
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 341
which he agreed to donate fifty thousand dollars for the erection of a suitable
building for library purposes. This offer was accepted at a joint meeting of
the \\'oman's Club and the business men of the city April 11, 1899. An
ordinance was enacted by the council of the city of McKeesport February 17,
1900, accepting the donation of Mr. Carnegie and agreeing to appropriate
annually the sum of three thousand dollars for the maintenance of the library,
a sum which has since been increased. A valuable plot of ground, bounded
■ by Carnegie, Library and Union avenues, was given as a site for the building
by the Evans estate. The library is managed by a board of fifteen trustees:
five women, five business men and five city officials. The building is a solid
stone structure, fire-proof, and cost a little more than fifty thousand dollars.
The library is entirely free to residents of McKeesport, while non-resident
members pay a fee of one dollar a year. There was a collection of about six
thousand five hundred volumes on the shelves in 1907 : a membership of three
thousand eight hundred and fifty adults and three thousand five hundred
juveniles patronized the library for the year 1906-7; while there was a circu-
lation for the same year of thirty-two thousand and seventy volumes. Herbert
C. Cowing became librarian in July, 1907.
JESSE PENROSE SHARP, residing at No. 6022 Station street, one of
the prominent business men of East End, Greater Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is
a representative of one of the old families of the city.
John George Sharp, grandfather of Jesse Penrose Sharp, was a native of
Germany and emigrated to the United States. He settled in Pittsburg, where
he resided in Pike street and was engaged in the manufacture of brushes. He
was a man of considerable influence in the community in his day and highlv
respected. In politics he was an old-line Whig and later joined the ranks of
the Republicans. His religious affiliations were with the German Lutheran
church. He died at the age of seventy-seven years, survived by his widow.
He married Dina Catherine W'eingardner, of Hamburg, Germany, and thev
were the parents of children as follows: i. Henry, late of Sharpsburg, who
married and raised a family. 2. Kooney, late of Pittsburg. He was a brass
roller and died as the result of injuries received in the discharge of his work.
He was married and left a family, four of his children surviving at the present
time. 3. John, late of Pittsburg, was a cigar maker. He also left a family.
4. William, a cigar maker, resides in Center avenue, Pittsburg, with his fam-
ily. 5. Catherine, married William Jackson, resides in Thirtv-third street,
Pittsburg. 6. George W., see forward.
George W. Sharp, fifth son and sixth and youngest child of John George
and Dina Catherine (Weingardner) Sharp, was born in Germanv in 1815, and
died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1892. He was but eight years of age when
he came to this country with his parents, and he was educated in the public
schools of Pittsburg. At a suitable age he engaged in trucking and farming,
and later in general teaming and the stone and sand business, which he con-
ductedimtil his death. He was a staunch Republican, and a charter member
of the First United Presbyterian church, toward the building of which he con-
tributed liberally. He married, in 1845, Amelia B. Penrose, born in Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, died September 28. 1905. daughter of Solomon
- Penrose, one of the foremost men of that section and a soldier of the war of
^ t^ ^ ., • , .. /^^^
342 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
the Revolution, who raised a family of thirteen children. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp
had children: i. Jesse Penrose, see forward. 2. George N., resides at No.
1621 Harvard street, and is superintendent in the firm of J. P. Sharp. He
married Agnes Lewis and has children : Charles S., Clyde L. and Emma J.
3. Mary C, married Joseph L. Snyder and resides at No. 418 North St. Clair
street. They have children : George L. and Amelia B. 4. David C, deceased,
married Mary A. Baxter, and had one son, George. After his death his
widow married George P. Goodman. 5. , Albert J., died at the age of six years.
6. Elizabeth, died at the age of three years. 7. James L., married Wilhelmina
Cartwright.
Jesse Penrose Sharp, eldest child of George W. and Amelia B. (Penrose)
Sharp, was born at the corner of Beatty and Penn avenues, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, February 25, 1847. His education was acquired in the public schools
of his native city, and in the private school of J. P. Moon. His first step in
his business career was as a workman in the nursery of George Negley, from
which he went to the brick yard of Charles King. He worked in the East
Liberty flour mills from 1861 to 1866, and then took up the carpenter trade,
at which he worked for a period of three years. At the expiration of this time
he established himself in the stone and sand business with his father, and upon
the death of the latter purchased all the interests of the concern from the
estate, and has been engaged in it since that time. He employs about thirty
men and is considered one of the most enterprising men in this line of trade in
the city. In addition to this business he has considerable real estate holdings,
and is a stockholder in the Newark Iron & Steel Company of Newark, Ohio.
He is also one of the charter members of the Liberty National Bank, and a
stockholder in the same at the present time. He is an active worker in the
interests of the Republican party. Pie attends services of the United Presby-
terian church.
He married, November 8, 1876, Emma J. Lewis, born March 25, 1856,
daughter of Joseph and Phobe (Bosler) Lewis, of Hannastown, Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, and they have had children: i. Clyde, died in
childhood. 2. Lydia L., married Richard Shields and has children : Emily and
Richard. 3. D. Chalmer, in the employ of the Wabash Company as depot
clerk. 4. Alma B., at home.
JOSEPH L. LYTLE, who is a good representative of the men who have
succeeded in the lumber business in western Pennsylvania, was bom March 12,
1854, in Lancaster township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, son of James D. and
Elmina (Beighley) Lytle. The paternal grandfather, James D. Lytle, was
born October 20, 1805, and died April 24, 1857. He was born in Lancaster
township, Butler county, and was a farmer in that county all his life. In his
religious belief he was a Methodist. He married Charity Ruby, of the same
township in which he w.as born and always lived, born February 12, 1803, died
April 25, 1890. By this union four sons and one daughter were born: William,
Mary, who married Simon Keifer ; James D., the subject's father ; Robert, and
John. All are deceased but Robert and Mary.
James D. Lytle, father of the subject of this notice, was born in Lancaster
township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1830, where he was edu-
cated in the common schools, after which he taught school winters and farmed
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 343
in the farming season. He was a justice of the peace for many years in Lan-
caster and Jackson townships of his native county, as well as in Allegheny
county. He was once candidate for clerk of court and once candidate for the
offices of clerk and recorder on the Democratic ticket. He farmed until 1874,
when he moved to Harmony, Pennsylvania, and was one of the promoters of
the narrow gauge railroad company, then known as the Pittsburgh, New Castle
& Lake Erie Company, in which business venture he was unfortunate and met
with heavy financial losses. He then entered the employ of George Walther
in the lumber business at Allison Park, where he remained until his death,
June 19, 1897. Politically he was a Democrat and held local offices, such as
school director, justice of the peace, etc. He was of the Methodist Episcopal
church faith and a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Harmony, Pennsylvania.
He also belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Royal
Arcanum.
He married Miss Elmina Beighley, daughter of Henry and Catherine
(Milison) Beighley. She was born in Connoquenessing township, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, April i, 1833, and is now residing with her daughter, Mrs. I.
M. Latchaw, at Marietta, Ohio. The children born to James D. and Elmina
(Beighley) Lytle were as follows: i. Joseph L., subject. 2. Cyrus Edward,
born June 16, 1857, now of New Brighton, Pennsylvania. 3. Lewis H., born
February 14, i860, died March 27, 1862. 4. Sally, born March i, 1867, mar-
ried L M. Latchaw. 5. James C, born May 7, 1876, now of Carnegie, Penn-
sylvania.
On the maternal side Mr. Lytle of this sketch descended from John
Beighley, the great-grandfather, who married Sarah Moon. They resided in
Connoquenessing township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and they were farm-
ers and of German origin, but probably born in this country. They had chil-
dren, including Henry Beighley, who married Catherine Milison and lived in
Butler county until the subject's mother had married Mr. Lytle, after which
thev removed to Wisconsin, where they died on their farm. Some of Mr.
Lytle's mother's brothers served in the Union army during the Civil war.
Joseph L. Lytle, of this notice, was educated at the common schools and
at Zelienople Academy, after which he taught school in the winter of 1871 and
then followed farm life for two years on the old homestead, but was obliged to
abandon this calling on account of a weak ankle. He then embarked in the
farm implement business at Harmony, Pennsylvania, continuing for three
vears, having clerked a year in a gents' furnishing store one year previous to
this. In 1877-79 he was manager of the lumber business of W. J. T. Saint,
at Harmonv, Pennsylvania. He then became agent of the Pittsburgh, New
Castle & Lake Erie Railroad (now the Baltimore & Ohio) at the town of Har-
mony, which position he filled two years and then purchased the lumber busi-
ness of W. J. T. Saint and formed a partnership with Messrs. ^^"ise and Haine,
under the firm name of Wise, Lytle & Haine, and this relation existed until
1885, when he sold his interest to Mr. Wise and partner Haine and came to
Pittsburg. The next year he was employed by the lumber and planing mill
firm of McFall, Hetzel & Company at Herr's Island, he being their manager
for two years, when he worked a year or so for William Schuett, the wholesale
and retail lumber dealer, as his traveling salesman. He was next employed
by the Owen, Hutchinson Lumber Company of Saginaw, Michigan ; this he
followed two vears successfullv and then went with the Curll-Hutchinson
344 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Lumber Company, on a salary and per cent of the profits. He remained at
this three years, when Mr. Hutchinson retired and Mr. Lytle took his place in
the company, and since 1900 the business has been operated under the firm
name of Curll & Lytle, who have bought and sold lumber and operated mills
in West Virginia, and at Holcomb and Hominy Falls, West Virginia. These
mills were sold in 1907, and at present their business is lumber brokerage. They
do a large business in buying and selling lumber at points all the way from
Maine to the Pacific coast. In the lumber trade especially has Mr. Lytle been
highly successful, both for others and for himself.
Mr. Lytle is a member of the English Lutheran church, of which he has
been a deacon for about twelve years, and superintendent of the Sunday-school
for the same period. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket. He is a
Mason, belonging to Zeradatha Lodge, No. 448, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania,
the same being a lodge of the F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Royal
Arcanum of Aspinwall, where he resides, and was a charter member of the
same order at Harmony. He was president of the Wholesale Lumber Dealers'
Association of Pittsburg in 1906.
Mr. Lytle was united in marriage, December 9, 1877, at Zelienople, Penn-
sylvania, to Miss Emma L. Nichalas, daughter of John and Mary (Lawall)
Nichalas. of Butler county. Her father was a native of Germany but married
in this country ; they had five children, including Mrs. Lvtle. Air. and Mrs.
Lytle are the parents of ten children, as follows: i. Joseph L., Jr. 2. Walter
N., died aged fourteen years. 3. Mary Elmina. 4. William J. 5. Blake G.
6. George N., died in infancy. 7. John K. 8. Paul, who died aged two
years. 9. Charles F. 10. Harry H. The last four children were born in
Pittsburg and the others at Harmony, Pennsylvania. All are unmarried except
the eldest, Joseph L., Jr., who married Miss Carrie White, of Ashland, Ken-
tucky, and they reside in Aspinwall, Pittsburg, he being a lumber inspector.
It is due to Mr. Lytle to add that he is possessed of excellent business
qualifications and that he is an unassuming, quiet man, whose friends are
legion and whose home circle is one of love and honor and in which he takes
great delight.
HARRY FREDERICK MERCER, one of the younger members of the
Pittsburg bar, but whose practice has become extensive, is the son of Dr.
Askelon and Eugenia C. (Sheets) Mercer. He was born in 1881, at Neshan-
nock, Pennsylvania. On the paternal side his ancestry traces from the great-
great-grandfather, Henry Mercer (I), who came from Holland to this country
in 1760 and was a soldier in the Revolutionary struggle; was with General
Washington the night of December 25, 1776, when he, with twenty-four hun-
dred men crossed the Delaware river at Trenton the day before the battle at
that city, where the Continental forces captured fifteen hundred British soldiers
and one thousand Hessians. Henry Mercer had the distinction of being in
the same boat with Washington on that eventful night. He married Hannah
, who came from Flolland ; they were married in this country and had
among other children one son, named James Mercer (II), the subject's great-
grandfather. After the close of the Revolutionary war the American ancestor,
Henry Mercer, moved from near Philadelphia, where he originally settled, to
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE . 345
York, York county, Pennsylvania, where he had been given a grant of land on
which the city of York now stands.
i^III) James Mercer, the great-grandfather, married and had a son,
James (IV), who became the subject's grandfather.
(V) Dr. Askelon Alercer, the father, was born in Beaver county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1848. He was a practicing physician ; in church relations a Bap-
tist, and in politics a Republican. He married Eugenie C. Sheets, daughter of
, Dr. A. and Mary A. (Dustin) Sheets. The subject's mother is a direct de-
scendant of the Dustin family of Haverhill, Massachusetts, to which belonged
the famous heroine. Hannah Dustin. who was born in 1660, and in 1697, when
Haverhill was attacked by the Indians, was made a captive with forty others
who were made prisoners or killed at that place. Herself, her servant and a
boy killed ten or twelve Indians when they slept, and thus made their escape.
Eugenia (Sheets) Mercer was born in 1850 and became one of the first
women physicians to practice medicine in the state of Pennsylvania. In her
religious faith she is the same as her husband. Dr. Askelon fiercer and wife
were the parents of three children, including the subject, Harry Frederick.
(VI) Harry Frederick Mercer, son of Drs. Askelon and Eugenia C.
(Sheets) Mercer, obtained a good primary education and then was admitted to
the law department of the University of ^lichigan, at Ann Arbor, from which
he graduated in 1903, and at once conunenced the practice of his profession at
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he is now counted among the successful attor-
neys of the city.
Politically Mr. Mercer is a supporter of the Republican party. He is
identified with the Presbyterian church, and is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons.
He w'as united in marriage, October 24, 1906. at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
to Miss Estella M., daughter of Joseph S. and Alatilda Brown, of Pittsburg.
C. L. KERR, of Pittsburg, was born at Gresham (then known as Kerr-
town), near Titusville, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1871.
His parents were Scotch-Irish, and on the paternal side he traces his ancestry
to the Kerr Clan of Scotland.
William Kerr, his paternal grandfather, was born at Kerrtown, Crawford
county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and died there at the age of eighty-six years.
His entire life was spent in the town of his birth. Robert Henderson, his
maternal grandfather, was during the Civil war a sergeant in the Sixteenth
Pennsylvania Cavalry, was captured by the Confederates and died in Anderson-
ville prison.
George C. Kerr, father of C. L. Kerr, was bom at Kerrtown, Craw-ford
county, Pennsylvania. April 26, 1840. He enlisted with Company A, Eighty-
thifKl Pennsylvania \'olunteers, August 7, 1861, and was with his regiment in
the battles of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mills,
Savage Station, Peach Orchard, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Malvern Hill
and ^lanassas. In the last named battle he was severely wounded, and was
shortly afterwards honorably discharged from service. He has been a farmer,
merchant and oil producer, and is now retired from active business pursuits.
The mother of C. L. Kerr died when he was two years of age, and as a
result his home was broken up. and during his childhood and youth he lived
346 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
■with a number of families, among others those of his uncles, G. B. and A. i\I.
Kerr, at Kerrtown, Mrs. Maria Berlin, of Dempseytown, Pennsylvania, and
Robert Mack, of Oil Creek township. In 1865 he went with his father to
Nebraska and lived on a ranch two years; in 1887 he went to live with his
grandmother, formerly Mrs. Robert Henderson, then intermarried with James
B. Kerr, at Titusville,' Pennsylvania, and to her helpfulness and good influence
much of whatever success in life he has been able to attain has been due. He
entered the Titusville public schools and graduated from the Titusville high
school in 1891. He began to read law with Samuel Grumbine, Esquire, and
afterward entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from
which he was graduated in 1895. During this educational period he engaged
for short intervals in many different lines of work — in a drug store and in a
hardware store, on oil leases, on a farm, as inspector of sewer construction,
as a guard at the Columbian Exposition, collector and newspaper correspond-
ent— and he believes that the close contact with men and aiifairs brought with
this work made it one of the most valuable parts of his education.
In May, 1896, he began the practice of his profession in Titusville, Penn-
sylvania, and has since been actively and continuously engaged therein. In
May, 1901, he was admitted to the bar of Westmoreland county, and was
located at Jeannette until May, 1903, when he removed to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, and now has his office at No. 717 Frick Building. His practice is
of a general nature, but more of his time is given to corporation and bank-
ruptcy work than to other matters. He is 'associated with George E. Rey-
nolds, Esquire, as counsel for the Pittsburgh Association of Credit Men, the
Pittsburgh Dry Goods Company, Doubleday-Hill Electric Company, Manor
Farms Company and many other large interests. Mr. Kerr is a member of
the bar of Crawford, Venango, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties, of the
superior and supreme courts of Pennsylvania, and of the United States courts.
In politics he is a Republican.
CHARLES WEIR HAMILTON, present assistant district attorney in
and for Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, was born March 11, 1873, at
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, son of James B. and Jennie A. (Barron) Hamil-
ton. The father was born in Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
March 12, 1849. He was educated at Elizabeth Academy and followed the
carpenter's trade until 1880, when he entered the prothonotary's office of this
countv and afterwards became chief clerk in that office, and at the November
election, 1903, was elected prothonotary for the term of three years. He took
his seat in office January i, 1904, and died October 14 of the same year. He
was a life-long supporter of the Republican party; was a member of the
county Republican executive committee for twenty years, and for five years
prior to 1901 was secretary of the committee. He served as a member of the
Elizabeth school board for fifteen years and was its president for twelve years
of this time. He became a member of the State ]\Iilitia in 1869, enlisting as
a private in Company A, Nineteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guards,
and served until mustered out in 1874, having been promoted to first sergeant.
In 1880 he enlisted as a private in Company I, of the Fourteenth Regiment,
and later became captain; in October, 1898, was made major of the regiment.
In April, 1898, the regiment was ordered out for service in the Spanish-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE . 347
American war and he was witli his regiment until they were mustered out,
February 28, 1899, and then returned to his position in the prothonotary office.
He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Encampment, Knights
of Pythias, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. In church
connection he was of the Methodist Episcopal. He married Miss Jennie A.
Barron, and by this union was born : Charles W. Hamilton, who was edu-
■cated in the public schools, the Pittsburgh Academy and Dickinson School of
Law, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. ' Prior to entering the law school he kept books
at Butler, Pennsylvania, one year, and afterwards was a clerk three years in
the Allegheny county recorder's office. He graduated from the law school
June 7, 1897, and was admitted to the bar in Allegheny county in September,
1897. He then engaged in the private practice of law until January, 1907,
when he was appointed assistant district attorney for Allegheny county. He
is at present the solicitor for the boroughs of Elizabeth and West Elizabeth.
In politics he is a Republican. Since 1905 he has been a member of the county
Republican executive committee. He is a member of the Young Men's Repub-
lican Tariff Club of Pittsburg ; belongs to the Royal Arcanum, Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows orders. He served
six years as a member of Company T, Fourteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania
National Guards, and on April 27, 1898, enlisted as a volunteer in the same
company and regiment for service in the Spanish-American war, being dis-
charged September 27, 1898.
!Mr. Hamilton is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Eliza-
beth, Pennsylvania.
He was married at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1903, to Anna
Blanche Warren, daughter of Samuel H. and Annie M. Warren. The issue
by this union is : Charles Warren Hamilton, born at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania,
May 13, 1905. Mr. and j\irs. Hamilton have their residence in Elizabeth.
FRANCIS TORRANCE was born in the town of Letterkenny, Ireland,
in 1816. He was reared on a farm, but obtained a much better education
than most of the Irish lads of his time. Possessed of an independent spirit he
crossed the Atlantic to American shores when twenty-two years of age, bidding
adieu to all that was dear to him in his native land. He landed here an entire
stranger to our people and customs, with only pluck and determination as his
fund of capital. He first located at Pittsburg, where he was a bookkeeper for
a short time ; later he went to Wellsville, Ohio, and in company with a Mr.
Orr embarked in the grocery business, but being faithful to an early attach-
ment in Ireland he, after a few years' absence, returned and was united in
marriage to Miss Ann McClure. He then settled down in Ireland in the mer-
chandising business at his native town. But the true spirit of democracy had
been instilled into him during the few years he had lived under our form of
government, so after a few years, with his wife and children, he sailed for
Philadelphia, where he engaged in the grocery trade again. He remained
there seven years, and then permanently located in Pittsburg. Subsequently
he engaged in the steamboat business with Captain Murdock, of Wellsville,
Ohio, and John Darragh, of Pittsburg. They purchased the steamboat Colum-
biana, Captain Murdock acting as captain and Mr. Darragh as engineer. They
348 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
engaged in the passenger and freight traffic between Pittsburg and Louisville,
Kentucky.
Subsequently Mr. Torrance became resident agent at Louisville, Ken-
tucky, for Arbuckle, Avery & Company, owners of large cotton mills. In 1875
he took a new business departure, and in company with James W. Arrott and
John Fleming bought the manufacturing plant, known since as the Standard
Manufacturing Company, whose business was the manufacture of enameled
iron goods, which goods found their way into the markets of the civilized
world.
Mr. Torrance was a resident of Pittsburg until his death. He was well
' known as a man who had the interest of the city's growth and prosperity at
heart. But perhaps he was more generally known as the manager of the
"Schenley Estate." He was an honest, upright and influential citizen, and by
virtue of his integrity won the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. By
his first marriage he had three children, Elizabeth, who resides in Ireland ; Mrs.
C. A. Smiley, of Allegheny City, and Mrs. E. L. Dawes. Mr. Torrance mar-
ried, second. Miss Jane Waddell, by whom he had one son, Francis J. Tor-
rance, whose sketch follows.
Francis J. Torrance, first vice president of the world famous Standard
Sanitary Manufacturing Company, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
June 27, 1859. The company with which he is associated has assumed one of
unusual proportion. Of their five large factories the greatest is located at Al-
legheny, and covers ten acres of ground. It is operated by modern machinery
and methods and fifteen hundred skilled workmen. The result of this perfect
organization is the production of a very superior article of goods, which not
only finds ready sale in America but also goes abroad to Great Britain, the
European continent, Australia, South America, Mexico and Canada. In each
of the named countries offices are regularly maintained by the company. As an
example of the capacity of this plant it may be stated in brief that the daily
output at the Allegheny factory alone is six hundred enameled bath tubs.
Mr. Torrance has been one of the guiding business factors in bringing
this establishment to its present high standard: he possesses a wonderfully
keen perception, even into the minutest detail of the business, whatever it may
be, that he undertakes to manage. Besides his large interests in this industry
he is president of the River Side Land Company, and president of the West-
ern Pennsylvania Exposition Society, and is treasurer of the T. H. Nevin
Company, makers of lead and colors in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He was one
of the incorporators of the Mercantile Trust Company; he is director in the
Fort Pitt National Bank of Pittsburgh, and president of the Board of Public
Charities. In politics he is a Republican, and his exceptionally busy career has
not prevented him from taking an active part in the political issues coming up
ever and anon in both his state and nation. He was chosen delegate at large
from Pennsylvania to the National Republican convention at St. Louis, which
nominated William McKinley for president. He was also unanimously chosen
chairman of the Republican city executive committee of Allegheny for three
successive terms of three years each. He has served consecutively in the select
council since i8go, and has been president of that body for ten vears.
From this brief glance at the workings of his talents and the industry with
which he pursues his daily routine of business duties year in and year out, as
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 349
well as the high and laudable aim he ever has set before him, he may well
be termed a master workman and truly representative citizen.
Mr. Torrance was united in marriage, in 1884, to Miss Mary, daughter
of David and Lydia (Griffith) Dibert, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and by
this union there is one child, Jane.
\\'1LLIAM DODDS, of Pittsburg, clerk of the courts of Allegheny
county and secretary of district No. 5, United Mine Workers of America, was
born in 1864, in England, and until the age of twelve years attended the com-
mon schools. Immediately on leaving school he went to work in the mines,
but six months later returned to the schools as a teacher and continued for
fourteen months thereafter to follow the calling of an instructor. He then
went to work on his uncle's farm in county Durham, laboring for the support
of himself and his sister.
In 1881 he emigrated to the United States, arriving at Sawmill Run, now
known as Banksville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, August 21, of that year.
He secured employment with Roger Hartley, of the tirm of Hartley & Marshall,
and continued in his service until elected, in 1898, vice-president of district
No. 5 of the United Mine Workers, comprising western Pennsylvania. Prior
to his election as vice-president Mr. Dodds was several times elected to the
district executive board of the miners, and also was a charter member, in
addition to serving for several years as secretary-treasurer of the Banksville co-
operation, which institution has been highly successful. His election as secre-
tary-treasurer of the miners took place in January, 1899, and he has since been
continuously elected each year to the same office. During his years as an active
officer of the miners' organization peaceful relations have been established
between the miners and operators of nearly the whole of western Pennsylvania.
In January, 1904, at the convention of the United Mine Workers held in In-
dianapolis, Mr. Dodds was elected to accompany John Mitchell, president of
the organization, on a tour of Great Britain and the continent and to attend
the international mining congress held in Paris August 8, 1904.
Five years after landing in the United States Mr. Dodds took out natural-
ization papers, and ever since he cast his first vote has been a Republican in
politics. He takes an active interest and has played a potential part in the
upbuilding of the community which he has adopted as his home and is well
fitted for the discharge of his duties as clerk of courts.
J. CALDWELL MORROW, known favorably throughout the length and
breadth of the land as an auctioneer of real estate of exceptional ability in his
calling, is a remarkable example of what can be achieved by a man by his own
unaided efforts when backed by ambition and a strong determination to suc-
ceed. Mr. Morrow is of Scotch-Irish descent, but the family has been settled
in the L'nited States for a number of generations.
Samuel Morrow, the pioneer ancestor of the Morrow family in America,
and the first of the family of whom we have any definite information, was the
great-grandfather of J. Caldwell Morrow. He was a native of county Tyrone,
Ireland, came to this country prior to the war of the Revolution, and settled
in Adams county, Pennsylvania. He subsequently removed to Westmoreland
3SO
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
county, Pennsylvania, and he and two of his brothers, all of whom fought
bravely in the war of the Revolution, are the ancestors of all memhers of the
immediate Morrow family now in the United States. One of his sons was
James.
James Morrow, son of the preceding, upon attaining manhood settled in
South Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he
resided up to the time of his death. His Hfe work was farming, and he mar-
ried and raised a family of thirteen children, among them being: John C.
(see forward) ; William H., who is a noted educator in his section of the
country. South Huntingdon township ; and Jeremiah, twin of WiUiam H., who
is a veteran of the Civil war, and also lives in South Huntingdon township.
John C. Morrow, son of James Morrow, was born in South Pluntingdon
township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1825. He removed to
East Huntingdon township after his marriage and resided there about thirty
years. He was a butcher by trade, but was also successful in speculating in
various directions. He removed to Mount Pleasant about 1877, lived there
for thirteen years and conducted a meat market, and then removed to Scotdale,
where he died suddenly four years later, December 14, 1903. He was prom-
inent in local politics, and at various times held all the minor offices in the
township and county. He married, April 22, 1847, Elizabeth Sheppard, born
in 1826, and who is still living in good health with her daughter, Mrs. McGill,
of Dawson, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Morrow was the daughter of Paoli and Cath-
erine (Tarr) Sheppard. Paoli Sheppard was the son of Henry Lennox Shep-
pard, a colonel in the army during the war of the Revolution, who was drowned
in Boston Bay. Paoli Sheppard was a blacksmith by occupation, and 'was
noted for his extraordinary ph}sical strength and his exceeding good nature.
It is said of him, and this is authentic, that he could lift up a horse and carry
it out of his shop. He was six feet and five or six inches in height, and
weighed two hundred and seventy pounds. All the members of this family
have been noted for their great size and strength. Catherine (Tarr) Sheppard
was a woman of great intelligence, and was the daughter of Hon. Gasper Tarr,
a soldier of Revolutionary fame and a relative of Christian Tarr, a member of
congress from the state of Pennsylvania. The Tarr family were renowned for
their intellectual attainments, many members of the family holding high rank
in the various professions. The children of John C. and Elizabeth (Sheppard)
Morrow were nine in number, five of whom are now living: i. Paoli Shep-
pard Morrow, deceased, was a prominent member of the bar of Uniontown,
Pennsylvania, and secretary of the Historical Association of Fayette county,
and was considered a man with a remarkable memory. 2. James W., deceased.
3. J. Caldwell. 4. Hester A., who married D. G. Anderson, of Scottdale,
Pennsylvania. 5. Katherine Bell, deceased. 6. Amanda, wife of George C.
McGill, a merchant of Dawson, Pennsylvania. 7. Adeline E., widow of W. D.
Anderson, of Connellsville. Pennsylvania. • 8. J. Sample, a resident of Daw-
son, Pennsylvania. 9. Charles Augustus, deceased.
J. Caldwell Morrow, eldest surviving child of John C. and Elizabeth
( Sheppard ) Morrow, was born in East Huntingdon township, Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, December 31, 185 1. At the age of ten years he com-
menced to work for his own supj^ort, taking up his home with James L.
Hutchinson, of East Huntingdon township, doing the chores on this place and
attending school during the winter months, where he was an earnest, hard-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 351
working scholar. He continued with Mr. Hutchinson two years. j\Ir. Hutchin-
son was a stanch Presbyterian, while young Morrow had been reared in the
Alcthodist faith, and had been named after Rev. Caldwell, for whom Mr.
Hutchinson had a dislike and refused to use the name, calling young Morrow
Colonel instead. This name was adopted for him by all in the neighborhood
and has clung to him all through life, he being still known as Colonel Morrow.
At the age of twelve years he took up his residence with Thomas Drennen, of
Buena Vista, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, with whom he remained the fol-
lowing two years. He then returned to his home, and prior to his sixteenth
year commenced teaching in the district schools, and later was the first principal
of the Scottdale public school after that place was made a borough in 1874.
He taught for about eight years, resigning this occupation in favor of becoming
a traveling auctioneer. He traveled from town to town, selling merchandise
of various descriptions, and success immediately attended his efforts in this
direction, his energy, ambition and enterprise making this a foregone conclu-
sion. He was thus engaged for several years, having entire control of this line
of business in Westmoreland and Fayette counties, and as his reputation be-
came more widespread he was called to other states — New York, Ohio,
Michigan, Indiana, ]\Iaine and Texas. The demand for his services had grown
to such an extent in 1900 that he found it necessary to remove to Pittsburg,
and while here turned his attention to the sale of real estate. This gave a
greater scope to his abilities and his success was as phenomenal as in his
previous undertakings. His services are in constant demand for the sale of
large parcels of real estate from north to south and from east to west, and he
has acted as auctioneer in thirty-five states. During the past year he has sold
more than twenty thousand lots. He is the special auctioneer of the Fidelity
Title and Trust Company, of the Guarantee Title and Trust Company, and of
the Safe Deposit Trust Company, of Pittsburg. He sold at public auction May
8. 1905, the Smith block at the corner of Sixth and Liberty avenues for the
sum of one million one hundred and seventeen thousand dollars in the course of
twenty minutes, and the Pittsburgh & Western Railroad to the Baltimore &
C)hio for a consideration of twenty millions. He is largely interested in the
oil fields of West Virginia, the zinc and lead mines of Missouri, and in the
real estate enterprises in Ohio, in Buffalo, New York ; in Keyser, West Vir-
ginia ; in Norfolk and Suffolk, Mrginia, and is a well-known figure on the
floor of the Pittsburg Stock Exchange. He was the first local editor of the
Scottdale Tribune, and for some years was a valued correspondent and con-
tributor to various newspapers throughout the United States. He is a man of
pleasing personality, is six feet in height and weighs two hundred and fifty
pounds. His figure is a commanding one and attracts attention wherever he
makes his appearance. He has the respect and admiration of the entire com-
munity, as it is a well-known fact that it is owing to his own unaided efforts
that he has risen to his present enviable position.
He is a member of Scottdale Lodge, No. 885, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows ; of the Order of Maccabees, and of the Royal Arcanum.
He married, September 18, 1873, Amanda Walthour, of Adamsburg,
Pennsylvania, born on the historic farm between Irwin and Adamsburg, on
which was located "Fort Walthour" during the French and Indian wars. She
is a daughter of Michael and Cordelia (Miller) Walthour. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Morrow were: i. Emmet R., who assists his father in the real
352 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
estate business. 2. Clarence, a member of the Pittsburgh Stock Exchange, as-
sociated with Robert C. Hall. 3. Maude, who was a student at the Boston Con-
servatory of Music, and was graduated from the Women's College in Balti-
more. Aiaryland. 4. Merrill C, employed by the Westinghouse Electrical &
Machine Company, havuig charge of the sales department. 5. Joseph C, Jr.,
who is a cadet in the military academy at West Point, New York. 6. Mabel
C, attends the Thurston Preparatory School in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 7.
Charles A., attending the Pittsburg High School.
THE McIKTIRE FAMILY. James Mclntire, the progenitor in Amer-
ica of this family, was doubtless born in Scotland in 1790, and is supposed
to have lived in Ireland with his parents. At the age of sixteen years, in
1806, he came to America. He had one brother, William, who died July 19,
1829, aged forty-four years, and a sister, Maryanne, who died April 26, 1826,
but who his parents were is not known. He kept a shoe store on the corner
of Liberty and Seventh streets for some years, and after his marriage in 1820
moved to his wife's old homestead in Allegheny, giving up the shoe business,
and located on Perrysville avenue, then the Franklin road, near the intersec-
tion of what is now Mclntire avenue, where he remained until his death in
1863. His wife, ]\Iary Boyle, was born in 1799, in Delaware, near Wilming-
ton. She was the daughter of James Boyle, who came from Delaware to
Pittsburg about 1803 and purchased land in what is now Allegheny City, on
Perrysville avenue, where he made a clearing and brought his family in 1804
or 1805. coming over the mountains in a wagon in company with others. He
then cleared the remainder of his land, and there remained until his death.
James and Mary (Boyle) Mclntire were the parents of twelve children: i.
Mary Ann, born April 11, 1822. 2. Joseph, born 1823, died 1901. 3. Sarah
Boyle, born July, 1825, died 1906. 4. Rev. James Anderson, born February
15, 1831, died August 15, 1872. He was a graduate of the Western Theological
Seminary and preached the Presbyterian faith. He married Barbara Langdon,
now deceased, and their children were: i. John B. B., married Tillie Havis. of
Pittsburg, and they had two children: Katherine Lavada, and Salome Marga-
ret, died at the age of eight years, ii. Katherine Brown, unmarried, iii. Mary
Janet, died in childhood, iv. Addison Langdon, died in childhood. 5. John-
ston, born 1833, died 1894; married Jennie Hutchinson, who died leaving two
children : Abraham L. and Charles. By a second marriage he left one daugh-
ter, Bessie. 6. Robert L., born 1835, died 1894; he was a graduate of the
Homeopathic College of Philadelphia ; practiced in Allegheny City. 7. George
W., bom 1837, died 1869; he was a druggist in Pittsburg, located' at the corner
of Fifth and Pride streets. 8. Isabella H., born 1839, died 1889. 9. David R.,
born April 6, 1841, died 1893; his sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The
other three children, John, William and James, died in childhood. James Mc-
lntire married for his second wife, in Delaware, Mrs. Mary Anderson, nee
Johnston, by whom was born and reared to maturity one son and two daugh-
ters: James, Jr., Sarah and Mary, all deceased.
Concerning the Langdon family, into which Rev. James A. Mclntire inter-
married, it may be said that Mrs. Mclntire's father was Noah Bird Langdon,
born August 9, 1803, married Barbara Brown, of Sugar Grove, Warren county,
Pennsylvania. Her father built the first log house in that county. Noah Bird
^^^, ^. ^f^^^^'^^^/Q, .
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 353
Langdon was the son of Joseph Langdon, born January 13, 1780, at Tyring-
ham, Alassachusetts, and married Sally Bird, born at the same place. Joseph
was the son of Martin Langdon, born in 1756, at Great Barrington, Rlassa-
chusetts. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the records spell the
name in some places "Lankton." He was a private and was at the Lexington
alarm call April 19, 1775, in Captain King's company, Colonel Fellow's regi-
ment, wdiich marched to the call on that historic date, serving at various times
in dilYerent companies until October, 1777. He married Lydia Chapman, of
Tyringham, Massachusetts. Martin Langdon was the son of Noah Langdon,
born August 10, 1728, of Tyringham, [Massachusetts, who married Rebecca
Porter, of Farmington, Connecticut. He was the son of Ebenezer Langdon,
born July 17, 1701, who was the son of Joseph Langdon, born 1659 or 1660.
This Joseph was the son of Governor John Langdon, born in England, and
died at Farmington, Connecticut, about 1689. He was the eldest son of George
Langdon, born in England and died in Springfield, Massachusetts, December
2y, 1676.
WILLLA.M B, KIRKER, of Pittsburg, prothonotary of Allegheny county,
was born in i860, in -Butler, Pennsylvania, son of James W. and Nancy A.
(Bredin) Kirker.
James W. Kirker, a former w'ell-known attorney of Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, was born in Middle Lancaster, September 21, 1832, and died
at Believue August 10, 1893, of heart trouble. He attended the public schools
of his native county and later earned money with which to attend Allegheny
College. He then studied law and surveying at the same time. At the age of
twentv-four years, on September 22, 1856, he was admitted to practice in the
courts of Butler county. Pennsylvania. He w-as elected district attorney, and
during the Civil war was appointed provost-marshal for the district comprised
in Allegheny and Butler counties, Pennsylvania.
In 1864, being then but four years of age, William B. Kirker was brought
to Alleghenv countv, of which he has ever since been a resident. He received
a liberal education in the public schools and the Western University of Penn-
svlvania, and in 1890 became clerk in the office of the prothonotary, remaining
until 1892, when he was appointed clerk of common pleas court No. 2. In
this capacity he served until 1904, when he was appointed by Prothonotary
[Major J. B. Hamilton to the office of chief clerk. On the death of [Major Ham-
ilton, Mr. Kirker was appointed by the governor prothonotary of Allegheny
county, to serve until January, 1906, after which he was regularly elected on
the Republican ticket, receiving, regardless of politics, the unanimous endorse-
ment of the Allegheny county bar and the largest majority on the ticket. Mr.
Kirker himself is a member of the legal fraternity, having been admitted to the
Allegheny county bar September 16, 1893, and two years later was admitted to
practice in the supreme court of Pennsylvania. In 1900 he was sent to the
state legislature, and in 1902 was reelected, having the honor of being one of
the ten members from the house of representatives on the Pennsylvania com-
mission to the World's Fair at St. Louis.
Mr. Kirker has filled the offices of burgess, clerk of council, justice of the
peace and solicitor of the borough of Believue, where he has his residence. For
the last twenty-three years he has been a member of the Republican county
iii— 23
354 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
executive committee, has figured prominently in the councils of the party and
has rendered valuable service to the organization. He is a member of the
Republican state central committee, is a director in the Citizens' National Bank
of Bellevue, the Suburban General Hospital, the Home Building and Loan Asso-
ciation of Bellevue, and vice-president of the Pittsburg and Harqua Hala Gold
Mining Company. He is also a member of Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows fraternities,
GEORGE G. WALTERS, well known as a veteran of the Civil war, as
merchant and insurance agent in the vicinity of Greater Pittsburg, was born
June 2, 1843, at Greenville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, son of Michael and
Mary Walters, and grandson of Peter Walters, who served in the war of the
Revolution, enlisting in a company in a German regiment commanded by his
grandfather, recruited in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, passing review and
inspection in Lancaster City one hundred and thirty-two years ago. Michael
Walters (father) was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1807,
and died at Brookville, Jefiferson county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1896. He
followed farming for his general occupation ; in politics he voted the Demo-
cratic ticket. He and his wife, Mary Walters, who died in the year 1876, were
the parents of eleven children.
George G. Walters gave his attention to farming in early life, later turn-
ing to mercantile pursuits, which he conducted for eight years in Westmoreland
county and six years in Pittsburg, his place of business in the latter city being
at 236 Frankstown avenue. For the past twenty-three years he has been en-
gaged as an underwriter of fire insurance at No. 266 Park avenue, achieving
therein well merited success. He is a member of the Park Avenue Presbyterian
church, which was organized in May, 1881, Mr. Walters being one of the
organizers, and for twenty-six years served in the capacity of president of the
board of deacons. He has always been a great advocate of temperance. He is
a member of James B. McPherson Post, No. 117, Grand Army of the Republic.
On August 3, 1862, Mr. Walters enlisted at Greenville, Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, and served in the Army of the Potomac for three years, Company
K, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, First
Brigade. First Division, Second Corps, commanded by Colonel James A.
Beaver and Major-General W. S. Hancock. During his services in the war he
participated in thirty-one battles and skirmishes, as follows : Chancellorsville,
Virginia, May 2 and 3, 1863 ; Haymarket, Virginia, June 2-5, 1863 ; Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, July 2 and 3, 1863 ; Wapping Heights, July 23, 1863 ; Richard-
son's Ford, September i, 1863; Auburn Mills, Virginia, October 14, 1863;
Bristoe Station, Virginia, October 14, 1863; Kelley's Ford, A'irginia, November
7, 1863; Mine Run, Virginia, November 29-30, 1863, and December i, 1863;
Morton's Ford, February 6 and 7, 1864; Wilderness, A'lrginia, May 5 and 6,
1864; Po River, Virginia, ]\Iay 9 and 10, 1864; Spottsylvania Court House,
Virginia, May 12 and 13, 1864; Totopotomy Creek, May 30, 1864; Milford
Station, Virginia, May 31, 1864; North Anna River, May 23 and 24, 1864;
Cold Harbor, Virginia, June i, 2, 3, 9, 1864; Jerusalem Plank Road, June 23,
1864: Petersburg, Virginia, June 16 and ly. 21 and 22, 1864; Deep Bottom,
Virginia, July 27, and August 14 and 15, 1864; Reanfs Station, \'irginia, Au-
gust 24 aiul 23, 1864; captured rebel fort front of Petersburg, October 27, 1864;
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 355
Fort Rice, October 25, 1864; fought in front of Fort Sampson, March 25, 1865 ;
White Oak Road, March 31, 1865; Hatcher's Run, Virginia, March 31, 1865;
Gravelly Run, Virginia, March 25, 1865 ; South Side Railroad, April 2, 1865 ;
Farmville, \'irginia, April 7, 1865 ; surrender of Lee's army, Appomattox
Court House, April 9, 1865.
The following are extracts from the war diary of Mr. Walters : "I was
never absent from my company except fifteen days, when I was home on fur-
lough in the winter of 1864, and in the field hospital for a short time when
wounded at the battle of Ream's Station, August 25, 1864." "At Po River,
Mav 10, 1864, live comrades were shot dead around me and sixteen wounded
and' taken prisoners." "May 12, 1864, at the battle of Spottsylvania, Virginia,
a comrade named Levi W. Gibson was wounded in the shoulder; when the
charge was over I assisted him to the rear. On August 13, well and hearty,
he came to the regiment on our line in front of Petersburg. That evening we
received orders to march, and the same night crossed the James riyer near Deep
Bottom. On the afternoon of the 14th we engaged with the enemy — when a
cannon ball came along and took the head off Gibson clear to the shoulders.
The same ball exploded and a piece went Lhrough Walter Corbett, tearing his
side away." "During a cold, rainy day in March, 1863, I worked all day help-
ing to build a corduroy road in the rear of our camp above Fredericksburg for
the artillery to pass over. In the evening, when I came into camp, one of our
boys was detailed to go on picket that night. He was sick. I said to him, T
will take your place.' Our picket line was on the north side of the river, be-
low the railroad bridge at Fredericksburg. My outpost was at an important
point. About two o'clock in the morning an officer of the line tapped me on the
shoulder and said, 'Sentinel, where is your gun?' I opened my eyes and said,
'It's around here.' He said, 'If it's around here you had better get it.' The
officer had taken my gim out of my hands and set it back of the breastworks
before he awoke me. He said, 'This is an important outpost ; how do you ac-
count for this?' I said, 'I worked all day yesterday in the storm and rain on
the road we are building in the rear of our camp for the artillery to pass over.
When I came into camp in the evening one of my messmates, who was sick,
was detailed to go on this picket line. I took his place and this is my excuse.'
He said, 'Do you know the penalty for sleeping on the outpost ?' 'Yes, sir, I
do.' He said, 'Your excuse is a fairly good one ; take your gun and never
again be caught sleeping on the picket line.' For two and' one-half years I
never again to my knowledge slept on an outpost. The verdict of a court-
martial for desertion or sleeping on an outpost was generally death." "Gettys-
burg, June 30, 1863, we marched thirty-two miles with three days' rations,
fortv rounds of cartridges, guns and knapsacks on our backs, and went into
camp at eleven o'clock at night one mile in the rear of Gettysburg." "July 2
our division engaged the rebels in the wheat field, and after a desperate bat-
tle we drove them across the field into the woods beyond. The salvation of our
regiment lay in the fact that the rebels' aim was too high, the bullets whizzing
about twenty feet above our heads as thick as falling hail. The report stated
our regiment lost about one hundred and thirty men. Our position July 3 was
to the left of the bloody angle and in front of Pickett's charge. At Gettys-
burg, Julv 3, 1863, at four o'clock, we saw the high water mark of the rebellion.
The position of Generals Pickett and Longstreet's charge will always be the
central point of interest to the soldiers and also to visitors on the battlefield of
356 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Gettysburg. PennsylvaTiia had engaged in this great battle sixty-eight regi-
ments of infantry', nine regiments of cavalry, and seven batteries of artillery. I
never got used to a battle, always felt timid until after the first volley was
fired."
One of the war relics in the possession of Mr. Walters, which he prizes
very highlv, is a pocket Bible given him by his mother on the morning he left
home for the army, and which he carried through three years of service.
"We've traveled together, my Bible and I,
Through all kinds of weather, with smile or with sigh,
In sorrow or sunshine — in tempest or calm.
Its friendship unchanging, my light and my psalm.
"We've traveled together, my Bible and I,
When war had grown weary, and death e'en was nigh.
And still through life's journey until my last sigh.
We'll travel together, my Bible and I."
Mr. Walters married. May 24, 1866, IMargaret A., daughter of Robert and
Sarah Jobe. The children tiorn of this union are : Preston E., born in 1867,
died in 1885 ; Mollie Bell, born in 1869, married in 1889, John Minor Davis,
one child, Ruth Davis, born in 1890; Mollie Bell Davis, died in 1891 ; Miltie
E., born in 1872, died in 1873 ; Jane Blanche, born in 1878, married, 1904,
James Edward Morgan, one child, James Edward, Jr., born in 1905 ; Pauline
Edna, born in 1887.
DR. HORACE S. McCLYMONDS, a well-known general practitioner of
Wilkinsburg, was born February 8, 1857, at Portersville, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, son of James McClymonds and grandson of James McClymonds,
Sr., who was born in this country, presumably in Pennsylvania, and was of
Scottish ancestry. He came from the eastern part of the state, and was one
of the pioneers of the region west of the Allegheny mountains. He settled at
Walker's Mills, near what is now Carnegie, Allegheny county, where he owned
a farm of about seventy acres, on which he lived until 1831, when he moved
with his family to Portersville, Butler county, having purchased in Muddy
Creek township a tract of land of several hundred acres. This, with the aid
of his sons, he cleared of timber and soon brought to a state of cultivation.
He married Jane Cornelius, and their children were : John, married
Martha Glenn ; James, of whom later ; Isaac, married INIargaret Vance ; Sam-
uel, married Eleanor Glenn; William, married Eleanor Weller; Elizabeth, wife
of Thomas Boyd; Margaret, wife of David Cleland.
James McClymonds, son of James and Jane (Cornelius) IMcClymonds,
was born December 5, 1816, at Walker's Mills, and attended the local schools
until the removal of the family to Portersville. His early life was spent on
his father's farm, and after inheriting his share of the estate he made agricul-
ture and stock-raising his occupation for the remainder of his life, hauling his
produce to the Pittsburg markets. He became a prominent and well-to-do
farmer, filling various local offices, such as school director, supervisor, assessor
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 357
.and tax collector. He was a Republican and a member of the United
Presbyterian church.
Mr. AkClymonds married Lydia Vance, who bore him the following chil-
dren: Maria J., wife of John Glenn; James Vance, deceased, married Annie
White ; Isaac Milton, professor of Slippery Rock State Normal School, mar-
ried Elizabeth Glenn, deceased ; John W., superintendent of schools, Oakland,
California, married X'irgie Smith ; Jemima, who died in infancy ; S. Erskine,
physician at College Springs, Iowa, married Anna Glenn; Willis J., deceased;
Horace S., of whom later; Ira, deceased, married Margaret Kennedy; Mar-
garet M., wife of Charles Walters, of Elwood City; and Addison C, residing
on the homestead at Portersville, married Jane Gardner. The death of James
McClymonds, the father of this family, occurred in 1898, the mother having
died in 1882.
Horace S. McClymonds, son of James and Lydia (A'ance) McClymonds,
was reared on the homestead, receiving his elementar)' education in the com-
mon schools of his tow^nship, and later attending the State Normal School at
Edinboro. After teaching three years he took up the study of medicine, first
with his brother, Dr. S. Erskine McClymonds, and afterward with Dr. A. G.
Thomas, of Freeport. Later he entered Miami Medical College, Cincinnati,
Ohio, and thence went to Nev^r York, where he studied for two years in the
medical department of the New York University, graduating in March, 1883,
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The same year he entered upon the
practice of his profession at Browndale, Pennsylvania, and at Renfrew, an
adjacent village. There he remained fifteen years, building up a large and
lucrative practice, and in 1898 went to Philadelphia, taking a course of one
term at the Polyclinic of that city. In the spring of 1898 he moved to Wilkins-
burg and resumed the general practice of his profession, opening an office on
the corner of Hay street and Kelley avenue, and meeting with marked and
ever increasing success. He is a member of the board of health of the bor-
ough, also a member of the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania State and Ameri-
can Aledical Associations. He is the attending physician at the United
Presbyterian Home for the Aged, Wllkinsburg. He identifies himself with
the Republican party and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.
Dr. McClymonds married, in 1887, Ida M., daughter of David B. and
Sarah B. (Brown) Douthett, and the following children have been born to
them : Bell Vance, James Douthett, Mary Jane and Ida Frances.
HOMER D. NEGLEY, one of the enterprising contractors and builders
in Pittsburg, was born September 29, 1877, in Butler county, Pennsylvania,
son of Felix H. and Mary A. (Simons) Negley.
Mr. Negley's grandfather, Casper Negley, mentioned at length in this
work, was one of the pioneers of Pittsburg. The subject's father, Felix H.
Negley, was born May 24. 1833, in Pittsburg, on the old Xeglev run farm,
and was always engaged at farm pursuits, but for several years lived retired.
What is now Highland Park was a part of the land he tilled. He married
Mary A. Simons, and their issue was: Ada L., born February 11, 1858; Jen-
nie G., born June 5, i860; Clara M., born May 11, 1862; William C., born
June 3, 1864: Felix H., born March 29, 1875; Homer D., subject, born Sep-
tember 29, 1877. The mother died February 15, 1897.
358 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Homer D. Neglev, of this notice, was raised on the farm and educated at
the public schools, but at the age of fourteen years his father sold the farm.
He then tried his fortune at work in the oil fields for a number of years. He
then came to Pittsburg and learned the carpenter's trade, which he has fol-
lowed ever since. In 1902, he established a business in this line for himself
and is at present engaged as a contractor and builder.
In his political views he is a Republican and in religious faith is of the
Methodist church. "He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, being a mem-
ber of the Masonic Lodge, No. 634— Fort Pitt.
He was married in 1898 to Miss Mary C, daughter of John and Anna
C. Broadmerkel, of Glenshaw. Pennsylvania. The children by this union are :
John H., born January 3, 1901 ; Mary A., born January 3, 1906.
SILAS WARD MEANS, who has been a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, since 1886, is the founder of the extensive lumber business of the S. W.
Means Lumber Company. He was born October 12, 1869, in Jefferson county,
Pennsylvania, son of John Means, Jr., and Euphemia (Gearhart) Means. The
father was born in Jefferson county, this state, in 1836, and was a tanner by
occupation. During the Civil war he was a member of the One Hundred and
Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment and served two years, when he was wounded and
later was honorably discharged from the Union army. He died in September,
1900. He married Miss Euphemia Gearhart, of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania.
Their issue was: i. Thomas C. 2. Mary M., deceased. 3. Samantha J. 4.
Clara V., deceased. 5. Maggie, deceased.
Silas W. Means obtained a good common school education at the public
schools of Jeft'erson county, Pennsylvania, and came to Pittsburg in 1886, as a
clerk in a lumber office. In 1894 he took the management of Dallas Lumber
Company, where he remained three years, going from there to the Dennison
Lumber Company as manager, where he remained until 1902, when he organ-
ized the S. W. Means Lumber Company and is now doing a prosperous busi-
ness, he being president and treasurer of the company. In politics Mr. Means
is a Republican and in church faith is a Methodist.
On January 4, 1892, he married Miss Angle E., daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
James B. Rogers, of Cadiz, Ohio. To them has been born one son, Eugene R.
Means, born March 30, 1901.
WILLIAM ALLEN MEANS, who for many years served as alderman at
East Liberty, Pennsylvania, is of Scotch-Irish descent, and his ancestors on
both the paternal and maternal sides fought under General Washington in the
Revolutionary war, rendering faithful and efficient service. Their descendants
in a marked degree have inherited from them the patriotic fervor which caused
them to sacrifice their lives if need be for the good of their country.
Allen Means, father of William A. Means, was born in Franklin town-
ship, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1828, son of Thomas Means.
He was a coal and salt dealer, and also conducted a large business in contract-
ing work. He was a Presbyterian in religion and a Republican in politics.
He married Sarah Elliott, born January 10, 1825, daughter of Andrew Elliott,
and their children are: i. Andrew Jackson, born February 7, 1856. 2. Mar-
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 359
garet A., born February 25, 1861, married William H. Kaufman. 3. William
Allen, born February 10, 1863, of whom later. 4. Sarah Jane, born ^larch 19,
1867, married B. S. Wilson.
William A. Aleans was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, February 10,
1863. He attended the common and high schools of his native county, acquir-
ing therefrom a practical education which prepared him for the active duties
of life. His first occupation was that of clerk, which he followed for a number
of years. In 1874 he came to East Liberty, and twenty-three years later was
elected alderman of the Twenty-first ward, and reelected in 1902 and 1907.
He is a Presbyterian in religion, a Republican in politics, and in all respects a
most exemplary citizen, performing faithfully and conscientiously all duties
and obligations which devolve upon him.
Mr. Means married (first), in 1893, Margaret Strain, daughter of Andrew
and Mary Strain, who bore him a son, Harold Newton, born August 22, 1894.
Mrs. ]\Ieans died January 12, 1895. Mr. Means married (second), February
2, 1901, Woodie McKenn)', daughter of Elmer McKenny and wife. By this
union one daughter was born, Woodie, December 7, 190 1.
J A:\IES McA. DUNCAN, a resident of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, who holds a responsible position with the Westinghouse Electric
Manufacturing Company, having been in the employ of that companv since
1886, is a representative of the third generation of his family in this country.
Jackson Duncan, grandfather of James McA. Duncan, was a native of Ire-
land and emigrated to America about 1831, when he was twenty-six years of
age. At first he made his home in Baltimore, Maryland, but soon removed to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he became one of the prominent merchants of
his day. and was superintendent of the first telegraph company operating wires
west of Pittsburg. Subsequently he was the treasurer of the old Union Bridge,
a position he held until his death. He married in Ireland, at Dawson, Derry
county, May 10, 1831. Isabella Rogers, and they had children: i: John R.,
born June 27, 1832, in Baltimore county, Maryland, died in childhood. 2.
George R., see forward. 3. John Hessin, born July 17, 1836. 4. Isabella, born
September 22, 1838, married George S. Duncan, and has one son, Edgar D.,
now residing at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. 5. Robert A., born October 22, 1841,
died January 8, 1907. 6. Nancy, born October 22, 1843, married James H.
Mitchell, of Trenton avenue, Edgewood, and has children, George D. ; Mary
Gertrude, married W. O. H. Woods ; Robert and Louise. 7. Mary Ellen, born
January 17, 1847, married Robert H. Wilson, and is now residing in Tarentum,
Pennsylvania. They have children : Frank, Porter and John.
George R. Duncan, second son and child of Jackson and Isabella Dun-
can, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1834. He was educated in
the old Second ward school of that city. His first business employment was
that of clerk for the Spang Iron Company. When the Iron City Bank was
opened in 1857 he was installed as general bookkeeper, and for thirty years
was a trusted employe of that institution, for twenty-eight years of that time
filling the position of cashier. He was one of the leaders in all matters of
financial moment in that section of the country until his death in 1887, at
Ingram Station, Pennsylvania, where he had resided for a number of years. His
f>olitical afifiliations were with the Republican party. Though not a member of
36o A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
any congregation, he had been for years an attendant at the services of the
Third Presbyterian church in Draward street. He married, in 1866, EHza J.
Stewart, and had children: i. Albert S., married Eva Hutchinson, has one
son, William H. 2. James McA., see forward. 3. George H., unmarried. 4.
Bessie F., died in childhood.
James JNIcA. Duncan, second son and child of George R. and Eliza J.
(Stewart) Duncan, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1869.
He was educated in the public schools of his native city, in the high school
and in Duff's Business College. His first business occupation was with the
Iron Citv Bank, and he then entered the employ of the Westinghouse Electric
and Manufacturing Company, with which he has since that time been con-
nected. His first position was as clerk, and from this he has risen until he
now fills the responsible position of manager of the price department. His
sound judgment and executive ability make his services invaluable in this
capacity. In politics he is a stanch Republican and takes an active part in all
local political matters. He is an attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church
in Wilkinsburg. He married, March 23, 1898. Mary E. Hill, daughter of
William and Margaret (Shull) Hill.
HON. ELLIOTT RODGERS, ex-judge and state senator, residing in
Greater Pittsburg, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, December 12,
1865, son of Thomas L. and Clara (Scott) Rodgers. The grandfather on the
paternal side was Rev. James Rodgers, born in Ireland and settled in Alle-
gheny about 1810. He was a United Presbyterian minister and formed and
preached in the Second LTnited Presbyterian church in Allegheny for thirty-
three successive years. For many years he was in charge of the board of
publication for the church with which he was connected. About 1830 he mar-
ried Eliza Livingston, of an old New York family, who came to Washington
count}', Pennsylvania, early in 1800. The first born son of this union was the
subject's father, Thomas Livingston Rodgers.
Thomas Livingston Rodgers, eldest son of Rev. James and Eliza (Liv-
ingston) Rodgers, was born in 1834. In young manhood he engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits in Pittsburg, continuing until elected a member of the board of
revision of taxes in and for the county of Allegheny, in the year 1905. This
position he is still filling with credit both to himself and his constituents. He
married, in 1864, Clara Scott, daughter of John and Mary Elliott Scott. John
Scott was register of wills for Allegheny county about 1852, and was engaged
in the milling business, his grist mill being located on his farm in Ross town-
ship, Allegheny county.
Hon. Elliott Rodgers obtained his education at the public and private
schools and at the Pittsburg Academy. He selected law as his profession and
was admitted to the Allegheny county bar in June, 1887. In April, 1896, he
was elected city solicitor for Allegheny City and was serving his third term
when appointed to the judgeship of the court of common pleas. No. 2, in
February, 1901. He was elected to the full term of ten years as judge, com-
mencing January, 1902. He filled the office acceptably until he resigned March
4, 1905, for the purpose of practicing law. He is now of the well-known law
firm of Rodgers, Blakeley & Calvert. Politically, Senator Rodgers is a Re-
publican. In November, 1906, he was elected to a seat in the state senate. In
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 361
his church connections Mr. Rodgers is a member of the North Presbyterian
church of Allegheny City.
He was united in marriage, September 20, 1892, to Eleanor \''an Voorhis
Dauler, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth V. Dauler. Mrs. Rodgers was
educated at the Pennsylvania College for Women at Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Rodgers are the parents of the following children : Eleanor, Elliott Living-
ston, Donald Scott and Oliver.
SAMUEL CREELMAN. The late Samuel Creelman, for twenty-five
years justice of the peace in \\'ilkinsburg, was born February 14, 1843, ™ that
borough, in the old frame house which is still standing at the corner of Penn
and Swissvale avenues.
He was a son of William Creelman, a native of Ireland, and by trade a
weaver, who in 1832 came as a youth to the United States, accompanied by his
brothers, Samuel and John, and settled at Wilkinsburg, then Wilkins township.
\\'illiam Creelman married Sophina . and their children were : Mar-
garet, wife of John Duncan; Samuel, of whom later; George, now residing in
Kansas ; John, a farmer in that state ; and Mary, wife of John Luke.
Samuel Creelman, son of William and Sophina Creelman, attended the
public schools of Wilkins township, and while still a youth, enlisted, September
17, 1861, in Company A, One Hundred and First Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers. He participated in the many engagements in front of Richmond
under McClellan until the evacuation of the peninsula, when his command was
ordered for duty along the Xorth and South Carolina coast. On April 20,
1864. after a three days' engagement at Plymouth, North Carolina, he with his
command was captured by the Confederates, and as prisoners of war thev
were confined in Andersonville, Georgia, and in other Confederate prisons until
March, 1865. Mr. Creelman, with the other survivors, was then liberated on
parole at Goldsboro, Xorth Carolina, and given a furlough, during which the
conflict terminated, when he was honorably discharged. The regiment to
which he belonged left Harrisburg in 1 861 with one thousand men, and re-
turned at the close of the war with but two hundred of the original number. .
Mr. Creelman served throughout the conflict, making a brilliant record on the
battlefield.
After receiving his discharge he returned home, and a few years later
embarked in the grocery business, having first taken a course at Duff's Com-
mercial College, Pittsburg. In this business he was engaged for five or six
years, after which he was employed for four years as bookkeeper for the firm
of Wemman & Sutton. This position he resigned in order to take up the
duties of justice of the peace, to which office he was appointed as the successor
of Thomas D. Turner, and in which he served continuousl}" to the close of his
life.
His record during this quarter of a century was most honorable, his
reputation as one of the ablest and most impartial justices in westerfi Pennsyl-
vania being richly deserved. He made a careful study of the law pertaining to
his office, and during his entire period of service his decisions were seldom
reversed by the courts. The office of Squire Creelman, No. 1020 \\'ood street,
was worth going miles to see. On the walls of the little outer room hung por-
traits of Grant, Lincoln, !\Ieade, Stonewall Jackson. Lee and others whose
362 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
names are associated with the great conflict of 1861-65. Beyond the big
barrel stove, which was never replaced by more modern or less comfortable
heating apparatus, stood a stack of muskets that were carried by Union sol-
diers on the march to the sea. Sabers, rifles and other mementoes hung
upon the walls. Reprints of Lincoln's call for troops and of the declaration of
peace following the surrender at Appomattox were framed in brown wood,
the paper turning yellow with age and long exposure to the heat of the big
stove. Supported on the wall by stout brackets was a case with a glass front,
and in this receptacle reposed the most valued and venerated trophies of
southern battletiekls.
This little office, so long a landmark in the borough, has recently been
torn down to make room for modern improvements, but during the many
years of its occupancy by Squire Creelman it was a gathering-place for old
soldiers, veterans of the Civil war and members of the Grand Army, and, as
was natural in such environments, the talk frequently reverted to the days of
the great conflict. Many times the old soldier "fought all his battles o'er
again" within the walls of this little room. Heated became the debates over
Grant's two administrations, and over the campaign of the carpetbaggers in
the south during the reconstruction period. The acts of Lincoln and Stanton
were discussed, and Thaddeus Stevens was execrated or lauded according to
the opinions held by the several parties to the argument. In all disputes the
Squire was the court of last resort, and deservedly so, for not only had he had
his eyes and ears open during his period of service, but never since he was
mustered out had he failed to note and study the events which make history.
Books he had without number treating of all which concerned the Civil war
and subsequent political history, and his well-nigh infallible memory rendered
him excellent authority concerning any event which he had seen or read about.
He was deeply interested in all public questions affecting the borough of
Wilkinsburg, many of the improvements which it enjoys to-day being attributa-
ble to his efforts. He advocated the piping of water from the Singer spring
into the center of the borough, and the erection of a fountain for the use of
man and beast. His project was finally adopted, and much of the work had
already been accomplished at the time of his death. He was a member of the
Wilkinsburg Building and Loan Association. He was one of the organizers
of the Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society for the protection of birds,
serving as treasurer of that body and being one of its most active workers.
Through his activity and influence many persons were prevented from injuring
birds. He lived close to nature, both animate and inanimate, and was consid-
ered an authority-on plants.
He was always devoted to the work of the G. A. R., affiliating with Major
Lowry Post, No. 548, of Wilkinsburg, in the deliberations and transactions of
which he was a leading spirit. He was a charter member of W. H. De Vore
Lodge, No. 676, L O. O. F. ; Lodge No. 384, Knights of Pythias, and Veteran
Legion, No. i. In politics he was a stanch Republican. He was brought up
in the creed of the Covenanters, but later became a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Mr. Creelman married, March 11, 1869, Isabella, daughter of Louis
Fogle, a native of France, and they became the parents of three sons and a
daughter: Calvin L., Leonidas J., Edwin P., and Agnes Mary, who became
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 363
tlie wife of Orville ]\Ieredith. to whom she bore one son, Charles X., his widow
later marrying Alexander Thompson.
The death of Air. Creelman, which occurred November 11, igo6, at his
home on Wallace avenue, deprived the community of one whose place could
with difficulty be filled. He touched life at many points, and intellectually,
socially and morally was a man of strong personality. The loss to his family
and friends could not be estimated, and by the community at large the passing
away of so exceptional a man was felt as a serious bereavement.
JOHN A. FAIRMAN, who holds the responsible position of recorder of
deeds for Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and who has been prominently and
favorably identified with the business interests of Allegheny City for almost
half a century, traces his descent to both Scotch and Irish ancestry, the best r)^J^
traits of both nations being exemplified in his person. ':ir^^^^ ^ I
Robert Fairman. father of John A. Fairman, of Irish descent, was born in '
the Cumberland valley, Pennsylvania, in 1806. While still a young man he J-^^ \
removed to Allegheny, where he learned the trade of cabinet making and be-\ \^ (L^
came associated in business with Samuel Farley at the corner of Stockton ' "^ . V^ Ti
avenue and Federal street, in Allegheny. They were successfully engaged in ''yJ\Y^
making furniture and sending it down the river by boat, where they disposed '
of it in the lowxr river ports. They were thus engaged until 1858. At that
time all coffins were constructed by the cabinet maker, and this branch of the
business took on such dimensions that they determined to confine their efforts
in this direction, and devoted their entire time and attention to the undertaking
and livery business. After some years Mr. Farlev retired from the business,
and Mr. Fairman took as his associate H. Sampson, and finally severed his
connection with the business interests in 1876, retiring on account of ill health
He had been very successful throughout his business life and had amassed Si
considerable fortune. He took an active and intelligent interest in the public
afifairs of the community, and served six years as a member of the school
board in Allegheny. He was a member and one of the founders of the United
Presbyterian church in Allegheny, and one of the most consistent workers for
that institution. He was connected w-ith the following organizations : St.
John's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons ; Zerubbabel Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons, and Pittsburg Commandery, No. i. Knights Templar. In politics
he w-as at first a Whig and later a Republican. His death occurred October 5,
1878. He married Agnes Jack, who was of Scotch ancestry. She was born at
Squaw's Run, near Bakerstown, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and l
died June 20. 1895, daughter of*James Jack, who attained the rank of lieu-
tenant during the war of the Revolution. The children of Robert and Agnes
(Jack) Fairman were : John A., see forward ; Robert J., who died in Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, February 7, 1907; William T. P., Thomas H. and Mar-
garet. There were others who died in youth.
John A. Fairman, only surviving child of Robert and Agnes (Jack)
Fairman, was born in the Fourth ward of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, December
24, 1845. He attended the public schools, where he proved himself an apt
scholar, and also in Duff's College in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His first step
in business life was as assistant in the first photograph gallery west of the
mountains of Pennsylvania. While thus engaged the Civil war broke out, and
364 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
young Fairman enlisted as a private in the First Battalion of Pennsylvania
Cavalrv, and subsequently became a member of Knapp's Pennsylvania Bat-
tery. He was in active service until June 14, 1865, and had a well deserved
reputation for gallantry in action. He was captured by the Confederates at
Averysboro, North Carolina, and was for some time an inmate of Libby prison.
At the close of the war he returned to Allegheny to reengage in peaceful
business pursuits. He became associated with his father in the undertaking
and livery business, leaving this in 1869 to engage in the manufacture of gas
and steam pipes in Cleveland, Ohio, and was thus occupied until 1873. He then
returned to Allegheny and again took up the undertaking and livery business,
and later became connected with the Pittsburg Oil Company. He is conducting
the details of his office as recorder of deeds with efficiency and satisfaction, as
was the case when he was a member of the common council of Allegheny.
He spares neither time nor effort when it is in his power to advance the inter-
ests of the town in which he resides, and has gained a justly earned popularity.
He has always been prominently identified with the lodge and club life of the
city of Allegheny, is a Mason, a member of the Order of Eastern Star, of Post
No. 88, Grand Army of the Republic, of Allegheny Lodge, No. 339, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is past exalted ruler, and of many
other organizations.
JAMES LANE BUNNELL, an attorney practicing at Pittsburg, was
born May i, 1863, at Auburn, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, a son of
Aaron and Clementine (Lane) Bunnell. The Bunnell family were originally
from England and trace their ancestry back to the eleventh century or near to
the time of William the Conqueror of England. William, Solomon and Benja-
min Bunnell came from Cheshire, England, in 1638, and settled at New Haven,
Connecticut.
(I) William Bunnell, of these three emigrants, was the subject's an-
cestor. Pie married in 1640 Annie Wilmont, a daughter of Benjamin Wilmont,
and the issue by that union was five children, including Benjamin (H), who
became the progenitor of the line to which the subject is connected.
(H) Benjamin Bunnell, eldest son of William, the English emigrant,
was born in 1642, and married in 1644 Rebecca Mallory, they becoming the
parents of ten children, including Benjamin, Jr., who was the sixth son.
(HI) Benjamin Bunnell, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Mallory) Bun-
nell, was born in 1676, married and had six children, the fourth being named
Solomon.
(IV) Solomon Bunnell, fourth child of Benjamin Bunnell and wife, was
born in 1705 and married Mary Holden in 1737, and three years later removed
from New Haven, Connecticut, to Kingwood, New Jersey. About 1760 Solo-
mon moved to Middlesmith, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, where he died in
1779. He was the father of eight children, Benjamin being among the num-
ber.
(V) Benjamin Bunnell, the third son of Solomon Bunnell and wife, was
born November 10, 1742, and married Catherine Barry (Barre) in 1778, and
they were the parents of twelve children. Their second daughter, Polly, was
horn in a fort in New Jersey in 1781 while her father was in the Revolutionary
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 365
*
war. where his father, Solomon Bunnell, had died in 1779. Their seventh
child was named John.
(.VI) John Bunnell, son of Benjamin and Catherine (Barry) Bunnell,
was born August 13, 1790, and married in 1810 Mary Place, by whom was born
fourteen children. They moved to Tunkhannock, Wyoming county, Pennsyl-
vania. Their eighth child and fourth son was the subject's father, Aaron Bun-
nell. John Bunnell was a very successful business man. He accumulated much
property, including twenty-five hundred acres of farming land, in Wyoming
and Bradford counties, Pennsylvania, .^.s his twelve children reached their
maturity and married he gave each a good farm. He helped to finance a bridge
company and to build the Wyoming Seminary. He was also a liberal sup-
porter of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church, of which he was a member for many
years. He had a wonderfully keen business mind, and was also noted for his
deeds of genuine charity, and many a man within his county owed his start in
life to his timely assistance.
Another very interesting account of the Bunnell family was contributed
by !\Irs. !M. H. Rice in a carefully prepared paper for the family reunion held
at Meshoppen, Pennsylvania. It contained the following :
"Originally the name Bunnell was spelled with one 'n.' Under General
Anthony Wayne's command November 23, 1776, at fortress Ticonderoga, one
of the battalions was under charge of and was called Bunell's. John Bunell
was a private in the Revolutionary war of 1776. A community of Bunnells at
Red Creek, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, omit one 'n' when writing the
name. Of the Pike county Bunnells — Gersham Bunnell, Lehman township,
was a descendant of Isaac Bunnell, who with two brothers, Solomon and Benja-
min, located in Middle Smithfield, Monroe county, at an early day, and con-
tinued residing there all their lives. Gersham's grandparents, Isaac and Lanah
(Barolow) Bunnell, were natives of Monroe county, the fonner having been
born July 13, 1738, the latter June 17, 1841. They were ardent Democrats and
earnest farmers.
■"Wayne county Bunnells — They are substantial citizens of Texas town-
ship. David settled at Bethany, Wayne county, in 1804. Thev purchased a
large tract of land in 1839, and the father with his three sons engaged in lum-
bering on a large scale in Dyberry and Texas townships. His son, John Kellem
Bunnell, born January 14, 1817, was a farmer located at Bunnell's Pond and
was also a great dairyman for Honesdale and vicinity. He married Ann S.
Brownscombe, who was born January i, 1823, in Devonshire, England. Her
father was a teacher, and her only brother, Henry, was an honorable clergyman
in the !\Iethodist Episcopal church for one-half a century, while her sister,
Elizabeth, was the wife of Seth C. Whiting, of Winsted, Connecticut. Their
daughter Carrie married O. W. Stanton, of Tunkhannock, moved to Pasadena,
California, many years ago, and died July 5, 1906, aged seventy-three years,
and her daughter Anna graduated at Wyoming Seminary in 1884. John K.
Bunnell's sons were all successful business men and good citizens.
"Wayne county, Bunnelltown — Harry H. Bunnell's father, Henry, mar-
ried for his third wife Mary Bunnell, daughter of Gersham R. and grand-
daughter of Henn,^ Bunnell, who was a brother of David Bunnell, the pioneer
of Bethany. Her grandfather moved from Middle Smithfield, Monroe county,
in 1808, to Wallpack, New Jersey, and her father married Anna C. Bergstres-
ser. Harry H. Bunnell's son, Judson W., is a merchant in Scranton. This
366 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
branch of the Bunnells family are largely engaged in lumbering and are promi-
nent citizens.
"Carbondale Bunnells — Edward E. Bunnell conducts a large manufactur-
ing establishment. He invested in a noted corn husker and other labor imple-
ments. He had several sons, one of whom, Lewis, is a lawyer in Scranton, was
an earnest student at Wyoming Seminary in 1857-8, and owns considerable
property in real estate on Fellows street and elsewhere. The father is about
eighty years old and is a very intelligent and enterprising man. There is a
Samuel Bunnell in Court street, Scranton, who is employed on the trolley line
and who probably is a descendant of the Wayne county Bunnells. His wife is
from Forest City.
"Broome county. New Jersey, Bunnells — Noah B. Bunnell wrote Septem-
ber 21, 1890, to Jonathan Bunnell, of Auburn, Susquehanna county, that his
family sprang from two brothers who came from Scotland. His great-grand-
father, Gersham, was born in 1693, and his children were: Hannah, Rebecca,
Gersham, Jr., Joseph, Margaret. Elizabeth, Solomon, Noah, Nathan, Isaac,
John and Job, who was born January 15, 1750, and lived and died in Colesville.
Noah, his grandfather, was born in January, 1741, in Fairfield county, Con-
necticut, and died when fifty-one years old. Ten children were born: Lucy,
Noah, Jr., Solomon, Havila, Sebah, Ethen, Sarah, Rebecca, Polly and Eliza-
beth. All lived to rear families and scatter off through the world. The first
two brothers came originally from Scotland, and one settled in Fairfield,
Connecticut, and the other in Pennsylvania. The writer's family came from
Connecticut and wrote their names with one T until 1846. He closed his
interesting tribute to the family by saying : T never saw or heard of a Bunnell
that was an intemperate or a thief or an infidel.'
"Susquehanna county. Rush Bunnells — Amos Bunnell disclaimed all rela-
tionship with the Wyoming county Bunnells in 1862, although his family bore
a striking resemblance in numerous characteristics. He had three sons : Mon-
roe, Lorenzo and Frank. Monroe married Huldah Dodney, of Angle's Cor-
ners, who had a son before her husband entered the LTnion army of the Civil
war. Later Monroe was killed at Fort Fisher, and his body sent home for
burial. The daughter was Evaline.
"Susquehanna county, Dimock Bunnells — Kirby and William were
brothers and prominent Patrons of Husbandry from the early days of the order.
Kirby read papers at the public entertainments of the County Grange, but after
his wife's death moved to Binghamton, New York. During the winter of 1906
he entered Hahnemann Hospital at Scranton, and died January 27, 1906, at
the age of seventy-nine years. His brother William, a farmer, was an enthusi-
astic supporter of the Greenback party during its existence in 1880 and on-
ward. And being well versed in the party's principles, he often joined in the
animated discussions of the public sessions of the County Grange. He left a
wife and two children : Willard M. and Fanny, who with their mother reside
in Montrose and conduct a millinery establishment. Willard M. Bunnell,
Esq., is a capable and well known lawyer in Scranton, a popular soloist and
musician in the churches, gives entertainment to his friends at Hotel Jermyn,
and was chairman in charge of the Democratic headquarters at the campaign
for mayor of Scranton in January, 1906.
"The second family of the Dimock Bunnells include the following brothers :
Lyman, Oscar, Kirby (2), Welton and Frederick H., one of Dimock's useful
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 367
and prominent farmers, a leader in the Patrons of Husbandry from the begin-
ning in Susquehanna county and also agent for the Grange Insurance for many
years. He was a teacher, a thinker and a student in former years, being known
in politics, and at one time was his party's candidate for the legislature. A
soldier in the Civil war with an excellent record, he was an honored member of
Brooklyn Post, G. A. R. His second son. Frank, was instantly killed by light-
ning June 16. 1906, leaving a wife and four children. This was a heavy blow
to the father, already in failing health, but he was able to attend to his business
affairs until the close of life. August 18, 1906, and is survived by his wife,
seven children and several grandchildren. He was sixty-seven years of age.
This Bunnell family's father and grandfather, John Bunnell, of Tunkhannock,
bore so strong a resemblance to each other that Frederick's children mistook
the one for the other in years agone, but the relationship is not definitely de-
fined as \et, although there are many strong family characteristics.
"Mrs. H. M. Rice, Historian."
(\'TI) Aaron Bunnell, son of John and Mary (Place) Bunnell, was born
January 30, 1828, and died January 7, 1894. He married Miss Clementine
Lane April 2^, 1849, ^'^d the issue was as follows: i. Clara R. 2. Bessie A.
3. John G., deceased. 4. Francis M. 5. Alma, deceased. 6. James Lane,
the subject of this notice. 7. Minnie J. 8. Eleanor R. 9. John W. Aaron
Bunnell, the father, was born in Wyoming county, Pennsylvania, and was a
farmer, after first having secured a common school education. Politically he
was a Republican and in church faith a Methodist Episcopal. He held many
municipal and local offices, and was a successful business man, accumulating
a handsome property by his good management. In stature he was large, weigh-
ing two hundred and twenty pounds, and was six feet in height. During the
Civil war he served as second lieutenant in the One Hundred and Forty-first
Pennsylvania Regiment, a member of Company H.
Of Mrs. Clementine (Lane) Bunnell, the wife of Aaron Bunnell and
the mother of James L. Bunnell, it should be here added that she was the
daughter of Thomas Lane, who served in the Revolutionary war. He married
Sarah Harkins, who lived to be eighty-six years old. Both she and her daugh-
ter. Clementine Bunnell, were truly Christians in spirit, possessed of great
patience and were never known to speak ill of any one. Their example was
trulv praiseworthy. Of ]\Irs. Bunnell's genealogy it can be said in this connec-
tion that \'olume III of Lane Family History says: "This is an English family
which resided at Riekmansworth. Herefordshire, England, eighteen miles from
London, where the old homestead stood from 1542 to 1758. occupied by the
Lanes and Lane blood until 1820. Job Lane came to America about 1635
(he was born about 1620) and was distinguished as a master carpenter, house-
wright, artificer and bridge builder. He first appeared in Massachusetts about
1643. where he received a grant of land in 1644. He was at Rehoboth, Massa-
chusetts, in 1645, and drew lot No. 28. He was of Dorchester, Massachusetts,
and returned to England, where he was married in 1647. Job Lane settled
in Maiden, Massachusetts, May 2, 1649, ^""^ '" '664 moved to Indian Shaw-
shine, a part of ancient Cambridge, but was of Bedford after 1729. His de-
scendants became among the most numerous and influential families of Bed-
ford. Governor John Winthrop of Massachusetts in 1629 was granted fifteen
hundred acres of land, which was subsequently sold to Job Lane, the date being
about August 2, 1664, for the sum of two hundred and thirty pounds, the deed
368 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of which was written on velhim and contains Winthrop's unique seal. Old
oaks were cut from this land and put in the bridge between Boston and Charles-
ton, crossed and praised by Washington in 1789. Job Lane erected one of the
original wooden buildings for Harvard College. He returned to Alalden,
^Massachusetts, in 1682, and bought additional lands. He was selectman in
1683 and a representative in the state legislature in 1685- 1686. He was a man
of marked intelligence, great business capacity and commanding influence in
the church and colony. He died August 23, 1697, when his large estate was
worth several thousand pounds, besides an estate which he left in England.
Twelve of the Lane family were in the army during the war for independence,
being among the New England minute men. One was a member of the 'Bos-
ton Tea Party.' Job Lane, Jr., was wounded at Concord. Among the offices
held by various members of this family was that of lieutenant, captain, major
and general."
The line of descent from the American ancestor to the mother of Mr. Bun-
nell is as follows: i. Job. 2. John. 3. Job. 4. John. 5. Gersham-Flag.
6. Thomas. 7. Clementine Bunnell (nee Lane), and 8. James Lane Bunnell,
subject.
Hon. Ebenezer Lane, A.M., LL.D., a relative,- graduated at Harvard Uni-
versity in 181 1, and was called the "Walking Library." He moved from
Northampton, Massachusetts, to Norwalk, Ohio, and was admitted as an
attorne_v-at-law in the L'nited States circuit court at Columbus, Ohio, January
8, 1822. He was appointed judge of the court of common pleas April 19,
1824; judge of the supreme court of Ohio from 1830 to 1837; and chief jus-
tice from 1840 to 1845. He removed to Sandusky in July, 1842, and was presi-
dent of railroads in Ohio ten years, and was a director of the Central Illinois
Railroad from November, 1855, to March 16, 1859, living in Chicago. He
traveled abroad in 1859, touring England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Jonathan Abbott Lane, of Boston, Massachusetts, born in 1822, a typical
Boston merchant and the proprietor of a dry goods jobbing house in 1849,
was a member of the [Massachusetts house of representatives in 1863-4, of the
senate in 1874-5, counsel of Governor Rice in 1878, president of the Boston
Merchants' Association from 1887 to 1895, represented the Seventh congres-
sional district as a Republican presidential elector in 1892', a member of the
Boston Board of Trade, and gave many addresses on taxation and other im-
portant subjects, many of which have been published. He has held member-
ship and leadership in societies and business interests too numerous to men-
tion. He has five distinguished sons of fine educational and business training.
Many of the Lane family are professional people, lawyers, doctors and min-
isters.
Jonas Henry Lane, Jr., and his son, James Warren Lane, are large mer-
chants of New York city.
Hon. Frederick Smyth, whose mother was a Lane, was governor of New
Hampshire from 1865 to 1866. He had a beautiful residence, known as "The
Willows." He was connected with the New Hampshire College, with the
Suncook Valley Railroad, the Manchester Railroad, with the National Agri-
cultural Society, the Northern Telegraph Company, the First National Bank
of Manchester and the Merrimac River Savings Bank.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 369
(VIII) James Lane Bunnell, the sixth child of Aaron and Clementine
(Lane) Bunnell, received his education in the common schools, the Wyoming
Seminary, Kingston, Pennsylvania, a select school at Auburn, Pennsylvania,
for four years, and graduated from White and Coleman's College, Newark,
New Jersey, in 1886. After teaching four years and doing much study and
preparatory work with Hon. James E. Frear, Esq., of Wyoming county, Penn-
sylvania, he was admitted to the bar April 9, 1897. During the years prior
to his admission he made many addresses at schools. Granges and various so-
cieties. He also contributed to Grange and other publications, was a delegate
to the State Grange at Altoona and received seventeen votes for state lecturer
and four for state secretary, and this when he was not a candidate for either
office. In his political views he is a Republican. He has held a number of
municipal offices, was for a number of years one of the judges of elections,
served on the county committee, was secretary of the Republican County Com-
mittee, and was at Harrisburg in the famous "Gilkison-Hastings fight." After
about five years of vigorous practice and experience, marked with success, he
came to Pittsburg and located. This v^'as in 1902, and on the 20th of December
of the same year he was admitted to the Allegheny county bar. For one year
he was with Prestly & Nesbit in the St. Nicholas building, but later took office
rooms in the Farmers' National Bank building. On Februarj' 15, igoS, he
moved to the Park building, taking offices with W. D. Grimes, A. S. Miller and
S. AI. flyers. i\Ir. Bunnell is the owner of many valuable properties in the
city, besides a few thousand acres of coal, farm, oil and gas lands. During the
last four years he has in addition to his law practice bought and sold real
estate to the amount of over two million dollars. In both the law and real
estate business Mr. Bunnell has proven his ability. In his school life he passed
sixty final examinations with success and good rating marks. In his legal pur-
suits he has been admitted to fourteen courts, including Allegheny county, the
supreme and superior state courts and the L'nited States courts.
Since eighteen years of age he has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and has been an officer in the departments of the church
and Sunday-school, having been a trustee in the church to which he belongs.
He is a member of the Knights of Malta, the Odd Fellows and the patriotic
order of Sons of America, and has been an officer in each of these fraternities,
and is a member of the Pittsburg Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce, a
director in several companies and is attorney for a number of clients of large
interests, also some corporations.
Mr. Bunnell was united in marriage November i, 1905, to Miss Alice
Streeter, who was educated at the public schools and the high schools of Tunk-
hannock, and the Wyoming Seminary and College. She is of English descent.
There was born to !Mr. and Airs. Bunnell April i, 1908, a daughter, Miss
Catherine Gertrude Bunnell. Mr. Bunnell is very painstaking and persistent
in what he undertakes to accomplish. Among his relatives who have been
highly successful in finance and public life may be named Hon. F. C. Bunnell,
a retired banker. He served three terms in congress from the Fifteenth con-
gressional Pennsylvania district, and was a prominent candidate for the office
of state treasurer of Pennsylvania, and although defeated ran fourth in a list
of thirty-two. He stands high in the order of Masons, attaining the thirty-third
degree at the age of thirty-five years. He now resides in Philadelphia. J. H.
Bunnell, a cousin of James L., and of the firm of J. H. Bunnell & Company,
iii— 24
370 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
conducts a wholesale electrical supply house in New York city. Bunnell &
Sons, attorneys-at-la\v, Broadway, New York, are related to James L. Bunnell.
JUDGE CHRISTOPHER MAGEE. Among the members of the Pitts-
burg bar whose name and family history may well be inserted in this connec-
tion is that of Christopher Magee, Jr., who was born in the city of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, October 3, 1863, son of Hon. Christopher and Elizabeth Louise
(McLeod) Magee. This Magee family was first represented in America by
Robert Magee, the subject's great-grandfather.
(I) Robert Magee was born in county Derry, Ireland, in 1737. With
his wife and seven children, in 1788, he emigrated to this country and settled
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
(II) Christopher Magee, the youngest of the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Magee, was but two years of age at the time his parents emigrated to
America. He married Jane Watson, born in Pittsburg, 1796, of Scotch parent-
age. Her father was Alexander Thomson, who in July, 1771, with his wife,
Elizabeth (Edmundston) Thomson, and twelve children embarked on the ship
"Friendship," in the harbor of Greenock, Scotland, arrivmg in Boston, Massa-
chusetts, in the following September, and soon made their way to Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, where they settled. Fie was the American progenitor
from which came Frank Thomson, who became president. of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, and Dr. William Thomson, who died recently, and was a
famous oculist of Philadelphia.
(III) Judge Christopher Magee, son of Christopher Magee (II), was
born December 5, 1829, in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he has
enjoyed a prominent place in the community's esteem for many years as an
able lawyer and presiding judge. He was early sent to the University of Penn-
sylvania, from which institution he graduated in 1848, as Bachelor of Arts.
Later the same institution honored him with the degrees of Master of Arts
and Doctor of Laws. After finishing his course in the Western University of
Penniylvania he matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, taking the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1849, and received his Master's degree in course.
He began his law studies in the offices of William B. Reed and Alexander Mc-
Kinley, of the Philadelphia bar. Simultaneously with these private studies
he attended lectures in the law school of the University of Pennsylvania, which
at that date was under the direction of Judge Sharswood. He graduated from
that school in 1852 and in the following December was admitted to the Phila-
delphia bar and soon thereafter was admitted to the practice of the supreme
court. April 11. 1853, on motion of Colonel Samuel \V. Black, he was admit-
ted to practice in the Allegheny county courts. He then returned to Pittsburg
and began the practice of his profession and has been thus connected ever
since. He developed a numerous clientele, representing individuals and cor-
porations in many important cases at law. In 1856 Judge Magee, who has
always been a Democrat in his political views, was elected to the Pennsylvania
legislature, and in 1885 was appointed judge of the court of common pleas, No.
2, for Allegheny county, by Governor Pattison. In November, 1886, he was
elected for the full term of ten years, from January, 1887. While upon the
bench in Pittsburg Judge Magee tried thousands of civil and criminal cases.
On two occasions he was a candidate for mayor of his city. He was also a
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 371
candidate for judge of the orphans' court of Allegheny county. In 1895 he
was by his party nominated for judge of the superior court of Pennsylvania;
he served once as a presidential elector. He has been variously connected with
a number of associations and institutions. He was an incorporator of the
Shadyside Academy, Hospital for Children, and the Allegheny cemetery. Also
the Academy of Arts and Sciences, Chamber of Commerce, of Pittsburg; the
University Club of Philadelphia, the Delta Phi Club of New York, the Penn-
sylvania Forestry Association and others.
In direct genealogical lines he is connected with many men of more than
ordinary prominence. Matthew J- Magee, of the Pittsburg bar, later of the
United States army, was his uncle. Another uncle was Robert Watson, a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1820. Other rela-
tions, near and more remote, include Colonel Samuel W. Black, once governor
of Nebraska ; W. W. Thomson, who prepared the Pittsburg Digest ; Rev. Sam-
uel B. Wylie, D. D., of the University of Pennsylvania ; Rev. John Black, D.
D., a professor in the Western University of Pennsylvania ; Hon. Christopher
L. Magee, the well-known Pennsylvania politician ; Thomas A. Hendricks, who
became vice-president of the United States ; Frank Thomson and Hon. Samuel
A. Purviance.
In his religious faith and profession Judge Magee is a Presbyterian. He
was married January 12, 1859, to Elizabeth Louise llcLeod, daughter of Rev.
John Niel McLeod, D. D., of New York city. She died March 4, 1902. The
issue by this union was as follows: i. John Neil McLeod, born October 22,
1859, died in infancy. 2. Margaret McLeod, born June 7, 1861, died October,
1894, v.'ife of Kier Mitchell, and left a daughter, Elizabeth Louise McLeod
Mitchell. 3. Christopher, Jr., born October 3. 1863, of whom later mention
is made. 4. Norman ]\IcLeod, born October 14, 1867, died aged about four-
teen years. 5. Jane Watson, born 1869, died June, 1880. 6. Walter Pollock,
born September 23, 1874, unmarried.
(IV) Christopher Magee, Jr.. third child of Judge Christopher Magee,
after attending the common schools entered the University of Pennsvlvania,
from which institution he graduated in 1887. He graduated from the law
school of the University in 1889 and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in
June of the same year, and to the bar of Allegheny county during the same
month of that year. He at once entered into the practice of law at Pittsburg,
his native city, and is still following the same with merited success.
Politically Mr. Magee is a supporter of the Democratic party, and in
church connection is of the Presbyterian denomination.
He was united in marriage, June i, 1892, to Miss Julia \'ogdes, daughter
of Rev. Edward P. Heberton and wife, Carrie Eugenia Heberton. Of this
union the children born are as follows: i. Christopher (the fourth in direct
line to bear the name), born, as were all this family, in Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania— March 28, 1893. 2. ^Margaret Mitchell, born January 4, 1895. 3.
Helen Heberton, born April 27, 1897. 4. Norman Heberton, born December
31, 1899. 5. Julia Heberton, born September 30, 1902. 6. Elizabeth Louise
McLeod, born July 30, 1905. Mr. Magee resides in the borough of Osborne.
THOMAS PATTERSON, who has been a member of the Pittsburg bar
since 1880, was born in 1856, in Pennsylvania, son of Robert and Jane (Canon)
372 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Patterson. The genealogy of this family, direct from the American ancestor,
is as follows :
(I) Robert Patterson, born about 1685, was a child during the siege of
Londonderry ; his father was John Patterson, who came to America after his
sons, Robert and Joseph, had settled in Philadelphia, about 1745.
(II) Joseph Patterson, son of Robert (I), born March 20, 1752; mar-
ried twice ; first to Jane Moak, born in Ireland ; second to Rebecca Leach, born
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. After his first marriage, he emigrated to this
country, in 1773. settling in Saratoga county. New York, where his son Robert
was born, April i, 1773. He went from there to Germantown, Pennsylvania,
and was present at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence
at the door of the State House. He was then a teacher in the schools of
Germantown, and at once dismissed his school and enlisted as a private soldier,
serving during the campaigns of 1776-77. He removed to York county,
Pennsylvania, and resumed school teaching. In 1779 he moved to Washing-
ton county, Pennsylvania, where he followed teaching and farming. In 1785
he took up the study of the ministry, under Rev. Joseph Smith, was licensed
to preach August 12, 1788, and was ordained and installed a pastor of Racoon
and Montour Run churches, November 10, 1789. In 1816 he resigned on
account of ill health and moved to Pittsburg, where he continued to preach the
Word, as opportunity permitted ; he also distributed Bibles and tracts until his
death, February 4, 1832. L'pon General Lafayette's visit to Pittsburg he was
recognized as one of his old Revolutionary comrades.
(III) Robert Patterson, son of Rev. Joseph and Jane (Moak) Patterson
(II), was born April i, 1773, in Saratoga county. New York, not far from
where, four years later, was fought the battle of Stillwater. He entered Can-
nonsburg Academy in 1790, reciting his first lessons under the shade of some
large trees, as the buildings were not yet ready for occupancy. In 1794 he
Entered the junior class of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia,
where his uncle, Robert Patterson, wa.s serving as professor in mathematics.
In 1796 he turned his attention toward the study of theology, while he toured
for about four years. He was licensed to preach in 1801, and August 27, the
same year, was married to Jane Canon, daughter of Colonel John" Canon, for
whom was named Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, he having been the founder of
that place. Mr. Patterson then served two churches near Erie, Pennsylvania,
as pastor, six years; in 1807 he moved to Pitt.sburg, and took charge of the
Pittsburg Academy (now Western Pennsylvania University), and continued
there until 1810. From then until 1836 he engaged in the business of a book-
seller, publisher and manufacturer of paper. He also supplied the pulpit of
the Presbyterian church at Highland, seven miles north of Pittsburg, from
1807 to 1833. In 1840 he moved to the country, where he died September
5, 1854; his wife died two j^ears later.
It was in Mr. Patterson's printery that the "Manuscript Found" was left
by Solomon Spalding, which was supposed, through the mediumship of Sydney
Rigdon, to have furnished the basis of the "Book of Mormon."
(IV^) Robert Patterson, son of Rev. Robert and Jane (Canon) Patter-
son (III), was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1821. He studied law with
Hon. Thomas H. Baird three years and was admitted to the Allegheny county
bar October, 1843, and practiced law with Judge Baird three years, and then
taught in different academies after his graduation frorh Jefferson College in
(^^^/.^/^^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 373
1840. including a professorship in mathematics in that institution, Oakland
College, Mississippi and Center College, Kentucky. In 1863 he became joint
owner and the editor of the Presbyterian Banner. He held no public office,
but saw some military service in Kentucky, but was rejected from military
•duty during the Civil war on account of being under weight and near-sighted.
He was an ardent Republican and a life-long Presbyterian in religious faith.
He died November 30, 1889. He married August 2j, 185 1. Eliza, daughter
of Judge Baird and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Thomas (subject). Jane and Elizabeth.
(\') Thomas Patterson, son of Robert and Eliza (Baird) Patterson, was
born in 1856, and received his education, after attending the public schools, at
the Western University of Pennsylvania, and followed teaching at the Sewick-
ley Academy, after he spent one year at the Columbia Law School, during the
years of 1879-80. He was admitted to practice in the Allegheny countv bar
December 30, 1880, since which time he has been in constant legal practice at
Pittsburg, where he has obtained a lucrative practice and has won the esteem
of a large clientage, as well as of his fellow-attorneys at the bar.
While he is a Republican in politics, he never hesitates to exercise the
right to ignore the party lines when unsuitable candidates appear on the ticket
of his own party. He is governed by a sense of conscience in all such delib-
erations. He is a member of Leetsdale Presbyterian church, his religious faith
being that of his forefathers for manv generations back.
Mr. Patterson was united in marriage, June 2, 1892, to Harriet W.,
daughter of Deleet and Mary (Williams) Wilson. Her father, a descendant
of Daniel Leet, was one of the earlier pioneers of western Pennsylvania. Her
mother descended from Dr. Francis Herron, one of the leading Presbj'terian
preachers in early Pittsburg days, and was pastor of the First Presbyterian
church of this city. Her father was for many years president of the Fort Pitt
National Bank, and is now president of the Central District and Printing and
Telegraph Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Patterson are the parents of one son, Robert Leet
Patterson, born August 16, 1893, and he is now a student in Sewickley Pre-
paratory School.
ERNEST THEODORE LIPPERT, whose name is prominent and influen-
tial in trade circles in the city of Pittsburg, he being the central figure in the
great saw works known as the Penn Saw Works, is a native of Prussia, born
September 21, 1841. son of Karl and Christina (Brockman) Lippert, who were
also natives of that country, their deaths occurring in the same year, 1890.
"they were the parents of six children. Karl Lippert and his father were
expert glass manufacturers in Prussia, and both attained a handsome com-
petency prior to their death, which occurred in old age.
Ernst T. Lippert received a practical education in the schools of his native
country, after which he turned his attention to the acquirement of a knowledge
of the same line of industry in which his forefathers engaged and in which
they achieved such well-merited success. In 1867, however, upon learning of
the greater advantages offered in the L^nited States, and especially in Pittsburg.
Pennsylvania, for expert glass workers, he emigrated to this country and
located in Pittsburg, where for a time he followed the glass business as a means
374 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of livelihood. Having an earnest desire to see and knovir more of his adopted
country, he concluded to tour through various sections of the Union, which he
accordingly did, studying and making careful notes of all his observations.
Upon his return to Pittsburg he decided on the saw industry, connecting himself
with the old saw firm of Lippincott, Bakewell & Company, with whom he was
employed until 1880, at which time he felt that he was highly competent to
operate a business in this line on his own account, and accordingly purchased
the business of James Lippincott & Company, naming ' the new plant the
"Penn Saw Works." He was successful from the inception, and in 1889 his
business had so increased in volume and importance he was enabled to purchase
the trade, name and good will of the Pittsburgh Saw Works, consolidating this
plant with that of his own. As the years went by his trade kept constantly
increasing, and in 1896 he constructed a new plant' at Millvale, Pennsylvania
(North Side, Pittsburg), where he had resided since 1874, and in which he
has been active in various capacities ever since, his principal public office being
as a member of the borough council, serving from 1892 to the present time
(1908), a period of sixteen years. He is one of the charter members of St.
John's Evangelical Lutheran church and a Republican in politics.
Mr. Lippert married (first) Anna Martin, whose death occurred in 1881.
He married (second) Mrs. Wilhelmina Pfischner, widow of John Pfischner. .
THE HORNE FAMILY. The first to represent the Home family in
this country was John Home, a native of Germany, who came to our shores
during the Revolutionary war, in which he took part as a soldier, remaining
with loyalty and faithfulness equal to that of an American-born citizen, to the
close of that struggle. He settled on a farm near Bedford, Bedford county,
Pennsylvania. He was a well-known man of that section of the state. He
was an ardent devotee of the IMethodist Episcopal religious faith, and was at
one time a licensed exhorter. Largely through his influence the first Metho-
dist church in that locality was erected ; it was of the pioneer log-house style
of architecture, but served well its mission, providing, as it did, a comfortable
place for the early Methodists to worship in. It was known to all as the
"Home Church," and is still standing and in use. He married in Germany
and became the father of several children, among them Joseph Home, who
became well known in the vicinity of Pittsburg and all western Pennsylvania.
(Ill) Joseph Home, grandson of the German immigrant, was born
about eight miles from Bedford, the county seat of Bedford county, Penn-
sylvania, January 11, 1826. He was reared on his father's farm, and there
was early taught the necessity of exercising early and late, in order that he
might lay well the foundation for the success which is almost sure to follow
such a course. He obtained the education ordinarily afforded the country boy
of those pioneer days at the rude country school house, under none too well
informed "school masters." After leaving the country school he took one
short course at the Bedford Classical Academy, and after his graduation he
was inclined to study medicine, but finally abandoned that notion and secured
a position as clerk in a store in Bedford. He came to Pittsburg in his young
manhood, and worked first at the store of C. Yeager, dealer in notions. From
that position he went to the store of F. H. Eaton, who at that time was one of
the leading merchants of Pittsburg. It was but a few years until he became a
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 375
partner in the business and later bought out Mr. Eaton's interest and became
sole proprietor ; his place of business was No. yj Market street. His devotion
to business and the skill and zeal he manifested soon caused his trade to
rapidly e.xpand, and he saw it to his advantage to add a wholesale department
to his business. In 1871, finding his business had outgrown his store room,
he moved his stock into the Library Hall Building — then the finest store-room
in Pittsburg — and there he carried on an exclusive retail store, continuing his
wholesale department in enlarged quarters on Market street. In 1881 he built
a large building at the corner of Wood and Liberty streets, to which he re-
moved his wholesale stock. Shortly before his death he built the large modern
business house at the corner of Fifth street and Penn avenue, which at that
dav was looked upon as among the best stores in all America. In this he con-
ducted his retail business until his death.
Mr. Home was a man of the greatest liberality, having a warm and
generous heart, which was shown' by his large donations to every recognized
form of charitable and educational work, besides many individual cases which
came to him with a feeling that they would not be turned away without at
least a fair hearing. His business character was well known for its unflagging
industry and sterling integrity. As a public spirited citizen he took an active
part in all matters relating to the growth and development of Pittsburg and
Allegheny county.
In religious belief he held to that of his father and was a pillar in the
Alethodist Episcopal church of Pittsburg, and it is related of him that he was
proud of the history and record of American Methodism. Though a very
busy man, he found time for much church work, and was the superintendent
of the Sunday-school of his own church and founded a Mission at Thirty-third
street, which years afterward developed into two vigorous churches. He was
one of the trustees of the Western Pennsylvania University ; a trustee of Alle-
gheny College, at ]\Ieadville, Pennsylvania, and for many years a trustee of
the Pittsburg Female College. He was also a trustee of the Western Penn-
sylvania Hospital. His heart was devoted to his business pursuits, to his fam-
ily, to his friends and the better works of life. Many a young man among his
acquaintances owed their inspiration for a better career to him, through his
good advice and exemplary habits and daily walk. No citizen in Pittsburg
in his day and generation was more highly esteemed than Mr. Home, of whose
loving remembrance there are not a few yet living who can attest.
He married ]\Iiss Elizabeth Shea and by this union was born the follow-
ing children : Durbin Home, Sue E. Home, and Joseph Otto Home. B. S.
Home was a son of his second wife, nee Miss Gahvay.
(IV) Durbin Home, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Home, was born at
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1854, and attended the public schools of his
native city. He then attended Newell Institute and entered Yale College, from
which excellent educational institution he graduated in 1876. He retumed to
his home and took a minor position in. his father's store. In 1882 he was
admitted as a partner in his father's mercantile business, and through his untir-
ing energ}- and business training he has succeeded in greatly advancing the
business founded by his father, becoming president of the Joseph Home Com-
pany when the business was incorporated. He also has many other interests
in and about Greater Pittsburg.
K
376 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
THE DENNY FAMILY. As long as the city of Pittsburg shall exist,
and its citizens appreciate the untiring efforts and sacrifices made by the
pioneers who founded, first a fort, then a city which has long since become a
gateway to the west and south, by reading the pages of her wonderful history,
the name of Denny will not be forgotten, for as excellent as was their con-
ception of what their duty as builders was, they, indeed, "builded better than
they knew." This is not altogether in a material and purely business sense, but
also in the direction of true moral, education, religious and philanthropic ad-
vancement.
The name of Major Ebenezer Denny and his son, Hon. Harmar Denny,
in the past, in the present, and will for generations to come be almost household
■words in Allegheny county and Pittsburg.
(I) The first to represent this family in America was William Denny, of
English descent, who emigrated to this country some time prior to 1735, and
settled in Uwchlan township. Chester county, Pennsylvania. From public \J
records and information obtained in the various histories of the state, including ■ '
those published for Chester and Cumberland counties, it is stated that the emi- y
grant Denny obtained a patent for two hundred and ninety-three acres of land ^ \
in 1750, in the location named. In 1775 his wife Margaret conveyed this to
their eldest son, David Denny, whose record in the Revolution is a part of the .fT ~
Pennsylvania military record, easily found. The father, William Denny, died \ m
aged seventy-seven years, in 1784, and his wife died aged seventy-six years, ~
May, 1794. They had sons, William and Walter also, and they removed from r-jP
Chester county to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1745. C CvwJ!-Am ^-\At.kvi V^
(II) William Denny, son of William Denny (I), was born in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, and died in Cumberland county (whence he had settled
in 1745), in about 1800, at Carlisle. He was the first coroner of Cumberland
county, which then included a greater part of western Pennsylvania, and was
commissioned by John Penn in 1769, and in such capacity re-examined the
important case of James Smith, pronounced at one inquest in Bedford guilty
of willful murder, and after three days the last jury found that it was impossible
for him to have committed the crime. (See Loudon's Narratives — Indian
Wars — Vol. i, page 256.)
William Denny's name appears as a citizen of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, on
the tax list of 1762 and 1763, as owner of lot No. twenty-nine, on West Main
street, on which he resided in a substantial log house, which only gave way
to a more modern building in 1894, and was at that time one of the best land-
marks in Carlisle. It was presented, together with the lot, to Dickinson Col-
lege, by Miss Matilda W. Denny, of Pittsburg, a granddaughter of Major
Ebenezer Denny, and the proceeds of the sale of it were used in the erection of
^'Denny Memorial Hall." In the days of pack-mule trains it was a public house
of no little prominence and a depot for supplies in the trade witli Pittsburg.
In this old building were born nine children, the eldest being Major Ebenezer
Denny.
William Denny (II) was by trade a cabinet maker and carpenter. He was
the contractor for the erection of the court house at Carlisle in 1765, which
was burned in 1845. He served as commissary of issues during the Revolution;
he was a gentleman of the old type, high-minded, dignified in manner and pleas-
ing in conversation.
He married Miss Agnes Parker, born 1741. She was the daughter of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE zyy
John Parker, born in 1716, who married Margaret McClure. He died prior
to 1785 and she died May, 1792. John's father was Richard Parker, who
with his wife Janet emigrated from the province of Ulster, Ireland, 1725,
and settled three miles from Carlisle, where he acquired land by a patent near
the Presbyterian Glebe meeting-house, on the Conedouginet creek, in Cum-
berland county, Pennsylvania, in 1734. Plis application for land stated that
he had "resided there ye ten years past." Richard Parker died prior to 1750,
his wife surviving him fifteen years.
William Denny and his wife Agnes (Parker) Denny had issue as fol-
lows: I. Ebenezer, born March 11, 1761 ; married Nancy Wilkins, of Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, of whom further account w'ill be given in this sketch.
2. Priscilla, born May 28, 1763; died at Carlisle, February 22, 1849. 3-
William, born March 24, 1765, died in infancy. 4. Nancy Agnes, born
August 31, 1768, died January 11, 1845, unmarried, at Carlisle, Pennsyl-
vania. 5. Margaret, born June 2%, 1771, married Samuel Simison. 6. Mary
(i), born March 13, 1775, died aged three years. 7. Mary (2), born March
5, 1778; married George ^Murray, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 8. Elizabeth,
born April 22, 1781, died March 27, 1848, at Carlisle. 9. Boyd, born Feb-
ruary 20, 1783, died at Pittsburg, Penns_\lvania.
(Ill) Major Ebenezer Denny, the eldest child of William and Agnes
(Parker) Denny, was born March 11, 1761, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and
after an unusually eventful and highly useful life, died at Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, July 21, 1822, and was buried in the First Presbyterian church-yard
of that city. At the opening of the war for national independence Ebenezer
Dennv was but about fifteen years of age, but he was trusted to convey im-
portant war messages to Fort Pitt, and subsequently entered on board a
privateer which cruised about the West Indies. He was commissioned an
ensign in the First Pennsylvania Regiment of the Line in 1778; transferred
to the Seventh Pennsylvania in August, 1780; promoted to lieutenant in the
Fourth Pennsylvania May 23, 1781, and shortly afterwards to captain. At
the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, Captain Denny
was selected by Colonel Butler to plant the colors on the rampart after the
final surrender had been effected, but it is related that Baron Steuben, dis-
mounted, took them from his hands and planted them himself, a procedure
that only the efforts of both General Washington and General Lafayette
prevented from leading to a hostile meeting between Colonel Butler and the
Baron. Ebenezer's mother was possessed of marked energy and superior
intelligence. She was a devout Christian lady and was accustomed to at-
tribute the preservation of her son amid the perils of land and sea, as well
as in the hour of fierce battle, to a gracious providence, but her friends, to
the fervent pravers of a pious mother. In his journeys over the Alleghany
mountains to Fort Pitt as a bearer of despatches he was obliged to go alone,
lying on the ground in the dense forest at night to keep clear of Indians.
He was described at this time as "a slender, fair, blue-eyed, red-haired boy."
In several trips over the wild mountains he was chased by the Indians into
Fort Loudon. For a time he was in the employ of his father in his store at
Carlisle, but learning of a letter of marque about to sail for the West Indies,
from Philadelphia, he shipped as a volunteer. In the stirring encounters with
the enemy he was always so brave and trustworthy that he was promoted to
command the quarter-deck. He was about to ship for his second voyage when
1
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
lie received his commission as ensign in the First Pennsylvania Regiment, al-
ready mentioned. The army was now on the march to close in on Cornwallis,
at Yorktown, and work the beginning of the end of the long war for inde^
pendence. Near Williamsburg his regiment had an encounter with the British
forces — the partisan Simcoe. Denny, in his "journal," says: "Here for the
first time saw wounded men ; the sight sickened me."
As the Continental army closed around the British, he says : "Army en-
camped on the banks of the James river; part of the French fleet in full view."
On September 14, he made another "journal" entry: "General Washing-
ton arrived ; our brigade was paraded to receive him. Officers all pay their
respects. He stands in the door, takes every man by the hand ; the officers
all pass in, receiving his salute, and shake hands. This is the first time I
have seen the General. October 15 — Siege operations were at once com-
menced; the fighting became very warm on all sides, and the siege works
were pushed with great vigor. Easy digging, light, sandy soil. A shell from
one of the French mortars set fire to a British frigate; she burned to the
water's edge and then blew up ; made the earth shake."
On October 17 he writes: "Had the pleasure of seeing a drummer mount
the enemy's parapet and beat a parley and immediately an officer, holding up
a white handkerchief, made his appearance. An officer from our line ran and
met him and tied the handkerchief over his eyes, and thus was the great event
of the surrender of Cornwallis accomplished."
When the terms of capitulation were agreed upon Ensign Denny, as al-
ready stated, was detailed to plant the flag on the rampart. He was subse-
quently with General St. Clair in the Carolinas and at Charleston during its
investment and after its evacuation ; but hostilities were soon suspended and
the bitter war at an end. In the subsequent campaigns against the Indians in
the west, which were conducted under General Harmar and General St. Clair,
Major Denny bore a conspicuous part, being adjutant to General Harmar and
aide-de-camp to General St. Clair. In the signal disaster of St. Clair, Novem-
ber 4, 1791, Major Denny was everywhere in the midst of danger and death,
but escaped unharmed. When all was over and the surviving remnants of the
shattered army had been brought off, Major Denny was dispatched to convey
the intelligence of the great disaster to General Washington, then President,
who at the time was giving a dinner in Philadelphia. At first he would not be
seen, but asked that the message be sent him by a servant, but Denny replied
that his orders were to deliver to no one but Washington, whereupon he came
out and received it. He scanned it long enough to take in its concept and in a
violent passion used words none too elegant.
In 1794 Mr. Denny was commissioned captain and dispatched in com-
mand of a detachment to protect the commissioners in laying out the town of
Prcsque Isle (now Erie) ; but he was turned back when he arrived at LeBoeuf
on account of objections by representatives of the Six Nations to having the
point occupied at that time. During the years of 1795- 1796, he resided with
his family on his farm six miles from Pittsburg — up the Monongahela river.
While there he was a candidate for the state legislature, but defeated. In
1796 he was elected one of the commissioners of Allegheny county, whereupon
he returned to Pittsburg, having disposed of his farm. In 1803 he was elected
the first treasurer of Allegheny county and again in 1808 was elected to the
same office. In 1804 he was appointed a director of the Branch Bank of Penn-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 379
svlvania, at Pittsburg — the first bank west of the Alleghany mountains. He
was one of the original members of the Society of Cincinnati. He was a
prominent member of the First Presbyterian church of Pittsburg, was one of
its trustees, was the first president of the "Moral Society," founded in 1809,
and was instrumental in establishing the Western Theological School in Alle-
gheny Citv. He with pioneer Johnson seated themselves at the doorway of
the church and received the contributions of the worshipers, as was the old
Scotch custom.
In the war of 1812-14 Major Denny was commissary of the purchases
for troops on the Erie and Niagara frontiers, pushing forward supplies in
emergencies, through a great personal pecuniary sacrifice, waving the thirty-
dav limit in the contracts. When Pittsburg was incorporated in 1816 he was
elected its first mayor. In the summer of 1822 he, while on a visit with his only
daughter to Niagara, was taken ill and with great difficulty reached his home
in Pittsburg, where he died July 21, 1822, in the sixty-fifth year of his age.
July I, 1793, he married Miss Nancy Wilkins, a daughter of Captain John
Wilkins, Sr., originally of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, but later of Pittsburg. She
died May i, 1806, in her thirty-first year, leaving three sons — Harmar, William
Henrv and St. Clair, also two daughters, Nancy and the youngest, an infant,
died within a few days of its birth.
(IV) William Henry Denny, son of Major Ebenezer Denny, was a
physician. He married, first, Sophia Du Barry ; secondly, Maria Poe, and
had children as follows : i. Ebenezer, of the United States navy. 2. Duplessis.
3. Sophia, married Brady Wilkins ; died September 25, 1892. 4. Rebecca,
married Dr. T. S. Verdi, and had issue. 5. Juliette, married Thomas Gibson
and had issue. 6. Georgianna. 7. William Henry. 8. George Talman. The
last three were children by his second marriage.
(IV) St. Clair Denny, son of Major Ebenezer Denny, was a major in
the United States army. He was born in Pittsburg and died August 18, 1858;
appointed second lieutenant of Fifth Infantry July i, 1S32; first lieutenant
November 30, 1835; captain, April 12, 1836; transferred to the Eighth In-
fantry July 7, 1838; resigned April 30, 1839; appointed major and paymaster
October 15, 1841. He married Caroline Hamilton and had issue as follows:
I. Morgan Willoughby. 2. Elizabeth O'Hara, married William Croghan
Denny. 3. James Hamilton, died in childhood. 4. St. Clair, died in childhood.
5. Annie Harding, married William Mathews Corcoran. 6. Caroline St. Clair,
married Joseph N. Du Barry, born November 19, 1830, died December 16,
1892. 7. William Irwin, married Elizabeth Wellendorf. 8. George M. Brooke.
(IV) Agnes (Nancy) Denny, daughter of Major Ebenezer Denny, mar-
ried Edward Harding, of the United States army, born in Maryland, February
15, 1855 ; appointed second lieutenant of an artillery corps July 24, 1818; trans-
ferred to Second Artillery, June i, 1821 ; commissioned first lieutenant May 10,
1826; captain Sixth Ordnance, May 30, 1832; major, July 10, 1851. He mar-
ried and had issue: i. Ebenezer Denny, appointed second lieutenant June 9,
1862; first lieutenant July 15, 1863; transferred to Twenty-seventh Infantry
September 21, 1866: captain, October 19, 1867. He married Lavinia Morgan,
daughter of Colonel James B. Morgan. 2. Elizabeth, married Oliver W.
Barnes. 3. William. 4. Van Buren.
(IV) Harmar Denny, son of Major Ebenezer and Nancy (Wilkins)
Denny, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1794. He graduated at
38o . A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Dickinson College with the class of 1813; was admitted to the Allegheny county
bar November 13, 1816, under motion of Henry Baldwin, with whom he was
later a law partner. He served as a member of the house of representatives in
the Pennsylvania legislature ; was also a member of congress from the Alle-
gheny district from March 4, 1829, to March 4, 1837. In 1849 he was elected
president of the common council of Pittsburg. He was an excellent lawyer, a
high-minded, public-spirited citizen, a true Christian gentleman. In his day
no improvement in the city, state or for the material good of the nation was
overlooked in his considerations. At home — in city and county — no enter-
prise was undertaken without his advice and counsel, and generally his
opinions were adhered to by the public, who ever recognized his ability. His
wife had a vast fortune left to her, and it is related that from the day of
his marriage to her he ever sought to keep intact this estate by protecting
it and to pass it, if not greatly increased, at least undiminished, to their
posterity.
But never did he lose sight of the duty he owed his commonwealth.
In 1837 he was elected a member of the convention called to revise the
constitution of the state, which body was made up of the best intellect in
Pennsylvania. He labored with great zeal and was gratified with seeing
many of the provisions which he brought forth adopted and incorporated
in that most important instrument.
Seeing the needs of speedy communication to the seaboard he advocated
the early construction of the Pennsylvania railroad, and subsequently be-
came president of the Pittsburgh and Steubenville Railroad. He encouraged
the importation of improved live stock into the country and also the intro-
duction of improved farm machinery. The cause of education was ever dear
to him. He was trustee of the Western University of Pennsylvania and one
of the board of examiners, as also a director of the Western Theological
Seminarv in Allegheny City. In 1848 he was made a member of the Amer-
ican Philosophical Society. In 1850 was tendered the office of Congressman,
to fill the unexpired term of Hon. Moses Hampton, who resigned, but de-
clined the honor. He was a member of the Electoral College which chose
William Henry Harrison president in 1840.
In early life he became a member of the First Presbyterian church of
Pittsburg, during the ministry of Reverend Doctor Herron, and being pos-
sessed of ample means he was of great financial benefit to the church- to which
he belonged. April 12, 1829, he was ordained a ruling elder and held the
office until his death. In the sessions and higher courts his deliverances,
though modestly given, commanded the respect of all. At the inauguration
of the Allegheny County Auxiliary of the American Bible Society in 1818,
he was elected its first president. While a member of congress, at the Na-
tional capital, he was an active member of the Congressional Prayer-meeting.
Mr. Denny died January 29, 1852, and was buried in the Allegheny
cemetery, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
He married November 25, T817. Miss Elizabeth F. O'Hara, daughter
of General James and Mary (Carson) O'Hara, by whom was born the
following children: i. Mary O'Hara, married J. W. Spring and had issue.
2. James O'Hara, who first married Catherine Dallas; secondly, Margaret
Stevenson and had issue by the latter. 3. ^^'illiam Croghan, married, first,
Elizabeth Denny ; secondl)', Nancy Tripp, and had issue by both. 4. Eliza-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ^ 381
beth O'Hara. married Honorable Robert McKnight and had issue. 5.
Catherine, died without issue. 6. Agnes, died without issue. 7. Carohne,
married Reverend W'ilham Paxton, D. D. (his second marriage), and had
issue. 8. Amelia-Mellezene, married Thomas J. Brereton, a captain in the
United States Army, and had issue. 9. Harmar. 10. Matilda Wilkins, still
residing in Allegheny City. 11. Henry Baldwin, who died without issue.
In concluding this review of a man who was so universally esteemed
•for his virtues and accomplishments, the subjoined paragraph from the
"Presbyterian Encyclopedia" will be truly befitting :
"His character was well established and symmetrical. No one ever
questioned his rigid integrity, his profound sense of honor and honesty, the
moral purity of his life or the perfect sincerity of his religious profession.
He was a person, too, of very prepossessing features whose appearance had
become pereminently venerable. He was erect and gentlemanly in his bear-
ing, and though somewhat reserved and dignified, yet a man of genuine
modesty and amiability, entirely free from all pretension and eminently kind
and affable. In the several spheres of life — domestic, social, civic and
ecclesiastical— he was truly and impressively a good man and his life was
without reproach."
Of General James O'Hara, father of Mr. Denny's wife, it may here be
said that he was prominent in the history of Pennsylvania, and descended
through the following line :
The O'Haras are an ancient Milesian family, settled in county Mayo,
in the west of Ireland. The first mention of the family is found in 1348.
In 1396 Bishop O'Hara is named; 1409 Bishop Bryan O'Hara is mentioned.
In 1485 we read of Archbishop O'Hara. General Sir Charles O'Hara, in
1706, was created a baron and took his title from the castle demesne of
Tyrawley, in county Mayo, Ireland. His son, General James O'Hara, whose
first title was conferred during his father's life for military services during
Queen Anne's reign, was also from the demesne of Kilmain, in that part
of Ireland. General James O'Hara, Mrs. Denny's father, had hanging in
his house the coat-of-arms of the barony of Tyrawley, in recognition of his
descent from the ancestors of the barons of the O'Hara family of county
Mayo — vert, on a pale radiant, or, a lion rampant sable.
James O'Hara, who became an American general, emigrated to America
about 1772, landed in Philadelphia and soon found his way to Western Penn-
sylvania, where he was engaged as an Indian trader by a Philadelphia firm.
From December, 1773, to March, 1774, he was in the service of Devereux
Smith and Ephraim Douglas, of Pittsburg, as an Indian trader in what is
now Lawrence county. His accounts were kept with the Indians in buck,
does' and fawns' skins. Here follows a sample of the entries he made:
Captain Pipe's account, Pea-meet-chease, lives over the creek: Cap-
tain Pipe promises to pay these accounts if the other would not. Deer skins
received of his wife, 10 shillings ; i buck-skin, paid Joseph one shilling. Deer
skins got at ^lamalturs, 6, shillings, i d. Remainder of racoon and foxes
got at camp. Account with white woman who lives in the smith's shop. Dr.
Pipe's brother-in-law. Dr. this little Muncy man who bot' gun at the Muncy-
town, I pint powder.''
After March, 1774, James O'Hara was government agent among the
Indians until the commencement of the Revolutionary war. Having been
382 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
three years in the British army as an ensign, he was thought capable of
commanding a company. He raised and equipped a company of volunteers;
the equipment those days consisted of usual dress hunting shirt, buckskin
breeches and the rifle, which always hung on the wall, ready for use. This
company was first sent to Fort Canhawa, now Kanawa, which was erected
by the state of Virginia. This was to be protected and provisioned by Captain
C3'Hara and company, who remained there until 1779. He then accompanied
Major Clark on his western expedition, through the Wabash country. O'Hara
speaking the Indian dialect was of great service to Clark. In 1779 Captain
O'Hara's company having nearly all been killed or lost among the Indians
of the west (being reduced to but twenty-nine men). Fort Canhawa was
abandoned and the garrison, cattle and horses removed to Pittsburg, while
the few surviving men were annexed to the Ninth Virginia Regulars, under
General Broadhead December 13. 1779. Captain O'Hara was sent to head-
quarters with a letter from General Broadhead to General Washington and
James Wilkinson asking for a supply of clothing for the soldiers. Captain
O'Hara was made commissary for the General Hospital and remained at
Carlisle until 1780. In 1781 he was made assistant quartermaster. After
the Revolution had ended General O'Hara took the contract of furnishing
provisions for the Western army under command of General Harmar. Gen-
eral O'Hara was not only contractor for furnishing the supplies for the
army, but was also appointed to act as quartermaster and treasurer for the
payment of the soldiers, pro tern. His accounts were kept with the most
careful exactness, as his reports in the treasury department will now testify.
He served as quartermaster general until May, 1796, and was succeeded by
Lieutenant-Colonel John Wilkins, who held the position until 1802.
In the spring of 1796 General O'Hara built a saw-mill in Allegheny
and made plans with Major Isaac Craig to erect glass works. Thirty thousand
dollars were expended before a single bottle was made. But later it became
a paving enterprise. Subsequently O'Hara operated the plant alone. In
1805 he built the ship "General Butler," which made several ocean voyages
to Europe and the Indies. In 1789 he was one of the presidential electors
and cast his vote for George Washington. He assisted General Wilkinson
in building the First Presbyterian church of Pittsburg. He also donated a
handsome chandelier which illuminated the edifice many a year. In 1802-04
he was a candidate for congress, but was defeated by Lucas, a Democrat.
In 1804 he was appointed a director of the Branch i3ank of Pennsylvania
at Pittsburg. In 181 1 he was a partner with John Henry Hopkins in an
iron works at Ligonier, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. It failed. He
made many extensive land purchases in Allegheny and other counties. His
first tract was bought in 1773 and consisted of four hundred acres on Coal-
pit Run.
General O'Hara died December 21, 1819, aged sixty-seven years. His
wife, Mary O'Hara, died April 8, 1834, aged seventy-three years.
ALBERT JOSEPH WALMER. who holds the responsible position of
general foreman in the Union Switch & Signal Works at Swissvale, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, and who is identified with other financial in-
terests, is a representative of the fourth generation of his family born in
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE ' 383
this country, his great-grandfather having been a native of Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, and of English descent.
George W'ahner, grandfather of Albert Joseph Walmer, was born in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1787, and died in 1867. He was a farmer
and owner of a tract of land consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, and
was a man of influence in his day. He was a member and exalter of the
United Brethren church, and an active worker in the interests of that body.
In politics he was a Whig. He married and had children : George, John,
see forward; James, married Miss Ranch; Jacob, Maria, deceased, married
George Daubert, deceased. He was married a second time and had children :
Adam. Cyrus, married Alelinda Peiffer ; George W., who died young, and
Lydia, wife of Abraham \\'elptner.
John \\'almer, second son and child of George Walmer, was born on
the family homestead in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and died in
1895. His early years were spent on the home farm, and he was educated
in the common schools of the district. He was apprenticed to learn the car-
penter's trade, and in addition to this for a period of six years assisted his
father in the cultivation and management of the homestead farm. At the
end of this time he commenced to farm for himself, later purchasing a farm
of two hundred acres. This he cultivated successfully for many years and
then retired from active work. He removed to Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where
he resided until his death. He was a stanch supporter of the principles of the
Republican party and an active worker in local politics. He filled various
public offices, among them being: School director, street commissioner,
constable and tax collector. He was a member of the United Brethren
church, and strict in the observance of his religious duties. He was faithful
and regular in his attendance at divine services, and gave liberally of his
means to aid the church work. He enjoyed the respect of the entire com-
munity. He married Mary Albert, and had children: i. Sarah, deceased,
married Joseph Heuston. 2. Margaret, married John Martz, Deceased. 3. Noah,
married Emma Shirk. 4. IMary Ann, married Gideon Baumgardner. 5.
Louisa C., married Daniel Seigrist. 6. Elmira, deceased, married Daniel
Miller. 7. Albert Joseph, see forward. 8. Emma C., married Zachariah
Light. 9. John G., married Amanda Hummel. 10. Irwin J., married and
reared a family. 11. Fidelia, married George Gilbert. 12. Ida. married Ed-
ward Ranch. 13. Clara, married Elmer E. Embich.
Albert Joseph Walmer, second son and seventh child of John and Mary
(Albert) Walmer, was born on the family homestead in Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, January 31, 1848. He lived on this farm until he was four-
teen years of age, attending school during the winter months and assisting
in the cultivation of the farm during the summer. He was then employed
on various other farms and in a general store in Mechanicsville, now ( 1907)
Grandville, Pennsylvania, for a period of three or four years, and was then
apprenticed to learn the machinist's trade at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in the
P. L. Weimer Machine Works. He was indentured for three years but re-
mained with this company for eight months longer, and then went to Altoona,
Pennsvlvania, where he found employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad
Locomotive Works. His next removal was to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
where he was occupied in placing and erecting the engines in the city water
works, and was later appointed by the city council to the position of assistant
384 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
engineer at the Harrisbiirg Water Works, retaining this appointment for
one vear and a half. From Harrisburg he went to Steelton. Pennsylvania,
and for the next six years was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Steel Works
in that city, then removed to East Liberty, Pittsburg, where he took up his
residence and entered the employ of the Union Switch and Signal Works at
Swissvale, in which he now holds the position of general foreman, as stated
previouslv. In addition to this employment Mr. Walmer is engaged with
his three sons and his son-in-law in the general retail hardware business, in
which they have been very successful since they embarked in this undertaking
eight years ago. They commenced on a small scale, and now have a large
and flourishing business in Penn avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, one
of the finest stores in this line in the western part of the state. In politics
he is a Republican, but above all a strong Prohibitionist. In religious faith
he is a member and steward of the South Avenue Methodist Episcopal church
in Wilkinsburg, and a member of the Quarterly Conference.
Mr. Walmer married, September 12, 1868, Catherine A. Ranch, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Bleistein ) Rauch, and they have had children: i.
Harry A., married Alice Howell, has children : Ruth, Virginia and an infant.
2. Louella Catherine, deceased, married James A. Klingensmith. 3. John
Edgar. 4. Charles W., the senior partner in the hardware business.
WILLIAM BECKETT, brick manufacturer of Pittsburg, was born in
that city February 21, 1865, son of John W. Beckett and grandson of Wilson
Beckett.
Wilson Beckett came alone to America from England in 1832. For
almost a year he drove a stage from Pittsburg to Philadelphia, then the only
means of transportation. After a stay of several years he returned to Eng-
land, but soon came again to America with his wife and family. In 1842
he removed to a farm in Glades Mill, Butler county, and remained there
until 1845, the year of the great fire. After the fire he started a brickyard
on Boyd's Hill, Pittsburg, which business he followed until his death. After-
wards his son, John W., and two grandsons, Ed and William, followed the
same trade, but in different locations.
John W. Beckett was born in 1838, in England, and since 1843 has been
a resident of Pittsburg, where he has always been engaged in the manu-
facture of brick. He has been thrice married. His first wife was Harriet
Stacey, who bore him the following children : Edward W., William, of
whom later; John W. ; Dolly M., wife of Jefiferson J. Blanck, and Sadie, wife
of John Hoffman. The mother of these children died in 1871, and Mr.
Beckett then married Maggie Lang, by whom he had one son, Percy. His
second wife died in 1880, and he subsequently married Susan Lang.
William Beckett, son of John W. and Harriet (Stacey) Beckett, re-
ceived his education in the public schools of Pittsburg, and has thus far been
a life-long resident of his native city, where he has always been associated
with his father in the manufacture of brick. He belongs to the Home Pro-
tective Circle, and is a member of the L^nited Presbyterian church.
Mr. Beckett married, in 1891, Emma Grundcr, and they are the parents
of the following children: Lillian Sadie, born December 13, 1891 ; Earl
William, born March 23, 1893, and Norman, born November 4, 1894. Mrs.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 385
Beckett is a daughter of Christian Grunder, who was born in 1823, in Berne,
Switzerland, and was by trade a carpenter. In 1880 he emigrated to the
United States and settled in Pittsburg and followed his trade.
Christian Grander married Anna Staub, and the following children were
born to them : Christian M. ; Ida, wife of Edward Donnelly, died Septem-
ber 20, 1904, and Emma, wife of William Beckett. The death of Air. Grunder
occurred February 5, 1893.
WILLIAM B. DOUBLE, of the firm of W. B. & H. S. Double, grocers
of Pittsburg, was born September 9, i860, in Alleglieny county, son of Peter
Double, who was born in 1822, east of the Alleghanies, and always followed
the calling of a farmer. In the old stage-coach days he was for a time
employed as the driver of a stage running between Pittsburg and Phila-
delphia.
He married Alargaret Shaffer, of W^ilkins township, and the following
children were born to them: John H., deceased; William B., Henry S., a
sketch of whom follows ; Liberty, Alary, Jane, Ellen, Margaret and Ida. The
mother of these children passed away in 1877, and the death of the father
occurred in 1899.
William B. Double, son of Peter and Alargaret (Shaffer) Double, re-
ceived his education in the public schools, after which he engaged in farming
until 1887. In that year he came to Pittsburg and engaged in the grocery
business on Lincoln avenue, in association with his brothers, John H. and
Henry S. The enterprise has since been continuously conducted with marked
success, the style of the firm, in consequence of the death of John H. Double,
having assumed its present form of W. B. & H. S. Double.
William B. Double is a member of the Third Cumberland Presbyterian
church, on Lemington avenue, of which he is a charter member, and during
the last five years he has served in the office of elder.
Air. Double married, in April, 1892, Alice Cooper, and they are the
parents of two children : Almo, born February 8, 1896, and Esther, born
October 15, 1901.
Airs. Double is a daughter of Frank Cooper, who was born in W^estmore-
land county, and engaged in farming in Allegheny covmty. He married
Alargaret Young, and their children are: James, Jacob, John, Joshua, Eliza-
beth, Alartha, Alice, wife of William B. Double ; Anna, and Alamie. The
death of Air. Cooper, the father, occurred in 1905.
HENRY S. DOUBLE, of the firm of W. B. & H. S. Double, grocers
of Pittsburg, was born in 1862, in AMlkins township, son of Peter and
Alargaret (Shaffer) Double.
Henry S. Double was brought up on a farm, and in 1883 went into the
grocery business with his brother, John H. Double, their place of business
being situated at the corner of Vine and Webster avenues, Pittsburg. In the
spring of 1886 thev moved to Lincoln avenue, taking into the firm another
brother, William B. Double. The association of the three brothers continued
until 1890, when it was broken by the death of John H. Double, which
occurred February 14, of that year. The business has since been carried on
386 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
by the two remaining brothers, under the present firm name of W. B. &
H. S. Double.
Henry S. Double belongs to the Protected Home Circle, and a number
of years ago was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, first
belonging to the old church on Sixth avenue. On moving to the East End
he joined the church on Shady avenue, and now belongs to the Third Cum-
berland Presbyterian church on Lemington avenue, of which he was one of
the charter members and in which for the last four years has served as
trustee.
Mr. Double married Mamie Penrod, born March 3, 1869, daughter of
John and Katie Penrod, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and they have
been the parents of the following children : Kate Mildred, born August 16,
1891 ; Beulah Benton, born March 14, 1893; Sarah Ida, born March 15, 1895;
Ivan Leslie, born July 15, 1897, died December 2, 1897; and James Smith
Walter, born September 7, 1899.
DAVID McKEE. A pioneer settler of Westmoreland county. Written
by his youngest living grandchild, David F. McKee, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
The records being very meager, the date of his birth is not certainly
known. It must have been about 1732 or 1733, thus making him a con-
temporary of George Washington, with whom he came in contact later.
Neither is his nativity certain from the records at hand, although the strong
probability is that he was Scotch. However, he may have been Irish. Cer-
tainly he was one or the other. He entered Glasgow University and took
a four years' academical course, a four years' collegiate course, a four years'
theological course and graduated in 1766. His diploma is in my possession.
How long he preached, or where is not known, but he abandoned the min-
istry on account of throat trouble which rendered it difficult for him to
speak. He emigrated to America, date not known. His calling is supposed
to have been teaching, and his residence in Philadelphia or that neighbor-
hood. Late in life he married Sarah Free, a native of Haverford, Delaware
county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he located in Bedford, Pennsylvania,
where several of his first five children were bom, and where his calling was
that of a teacher. While a resident there in 1794 he was appointed by General
Washington a captain in the army for the suppression of the Whiskev In-
surrection. As he was more than sixty years old at that time only two
reasons can be surmised for the bestowal of such a rank on him — either
previous military experience which he might have gained by service in the
Revolutionary war, but of which we have no record ; or because of his college
training, of which we have a record. Enough to know that it brought him
west of the mountains, where he decided to settle, and where, about 1795,
he located and took up from the commonwealth a large tract of la'nd, in-
cluding a "mill site" situated on Pine Run. in what was then Washington
township but now Allegheny township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
The records of this land transaction are to be found in the recorder's office
of the comity. Here in the spring and summer of 1796 he made a "clearing"
in the triangle formed by the junction of a small stream with the main creek,
a short distance above the "mill site," built himself a cabin, raised some corn
and flax, gathered his crops at maturity, stored them in the cabin, and then
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 387
went back to Bedford to spend the winter with his family. The next spring,
1797, he embarked his household goods with his wife and five children, in
wagons, being the first "flitting" to attempt the trip in that way over the old
"Forbes military road." Others had been coming by the pack-horse way. On
their arrival at the new home instead of finding a roof to protect them they
were greeted by a pile of ashes. Some marauding Indians had first looted
and then burned it to the ground. No retreat, but another location was made
farther down the creek on the same side and near the mill site. There a
cabin of round logs was hastily constructed, roofed with clap boards heFd
down by poles and the usual stone and wooden chimney. Without waiting
to chink and daub the cracks they moved into it August 31. 1797, and that
night their sixth child and third son was born. This child afterwards be-
came the father of the writer. Two other children, girls, were subsequently
born, one in 1800 and one in 1802. Another house was afterwards built about
a mile further up the creek, in which the famih- lived for a number of years.
Other settlers soon followed — Sober locating in the valley of the branch about
a mile above, in 1798, and he was soon followed by his brother-in-law. Art-
man, who located between the McKee and Sober tracts. The McGeary
settlement in the valley immediately above the Sober tract was also a very
early one, but the date I do not know. The chief sentimental interest of
the writer in it is that upon it is located the public school from which he
graduated under tutorship of Robert J. McQuilkin, a teacher of teachers, and
one of the salt of the earth, and who afterwards became a captain in an Iowa
regiment in the Civil war, and remained until his death a prominent citizen
of that state. Pardon this digression, but it seems to fit in here.
The plans of the grandsire were no doubt well laid for becoming a large
landholder and the building up of a business community about him, but his
age was against him. He died December 31, 1803, aged seventy years, leav-
ing his widow, a comparatively young woman, with eight children in the
backwoods. His remains lie in Poke Run church graveyard, and his monu-
ment is a great sycamore tree growing directly from his grave, having sprung
up there after his burial. In the settlement of his estate a large tract of the
land, including the "mill site." was purchased by George Crawford, who
erected a dam across the creek, established a saw-mill and a grist-mill.
A carding-mill, a fulling-mill, a store and postoffice, and other buildings neces-
sary for the comfort and convenience of such a community, were added by
his son, who succeeded him'. It was then known as Crawford's Mills, and
was quite a business center for many years, but first canals and then rail-
roads diverted the channel in which business flowed, and then decay did the
rest. The dam is gone, and a few scattered foundation stones are the only
indication that the place was once a busy hamlet. The water rolls over its
rocky bed, around the bend and through the gorge on its way to the sea
just as it did more than a century ago. The power that it once furnished
passes by unvexed and unhindered by any artifice of man. The span of life
allotted to the first white child born on this tract saw its redemption from the
wilderness inhabited by wild beasts and wilder men and its advance to a busy
community, practicing the arts and enjoying the comforts of a high-grade
of civilization as well as its retrogression back to a state of nature save alone
the restoration of the forest. Being the point at which evergreens begin to
388 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
line the bank of the stream it is quite a romantic place, and is now much in
favor with summer campers.
This George Crawford was the grandfather of Colonel R. P. Crawford,
of Thomas boulevard and Lindon avenue, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the
great-grandfather of State Senator John W. Crawford, of Duquesne, Penn-
sylvania. He was succeeded by his son, George T. Crawford, and he 'by
his heirs, and it remained in the Crawford name until 1906, when it changed
hands. For some reason the first ''clearing" was allowed to be reclaimed by
the forest, and remained so for many years. I remember distinctly of seeing
the marks of the corn rows among the trees, as well as the ditch that had
been digged around the first cabin for drainage purposes, and pieces of broken
dishes and cooking utensils could be found round about the place. It has
again been cleared and is now a cultivated field. I have also seen the ruins
of the next two cabins, one of which might be called a house, as I think I
recall seeing some hewed logs in it. A part of this tract is still owned and
occupied by the oldest living grandchild, William Young, and his family. All
of his eight children grew to maturity, and all of them married except one,
and all of the married ones except one left children. Several others of his
family also came to America, but whether with him or at' some other time
I have no means of knowing. His brother Robert owned and occupied a
tract of land in what is now the eastern part of Greensburg, where he raised
a family, but so far as I know that family has become extinct, most of them
if not all having lived and died unmarried. An old letter written by himself
mentions his sisters Mary and Nelly. jMary married James Paul and became
the mother of the Paul family once so prominent in Bell township, Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania. I have never heard of Nelly except seeing her
name in the old letter, same dated Blockley, June 14, 1797, speaks of paying
for surveying his brother Samuel's place. Nothing more is known of him or
his descendants if any there were. One letter mentions his sister, Eleanor
Chapman. This was evidently Nelly, who had married a man named Chap-
man, but where she lived or whether she left children who may be living
among some of her descendants is not known. One of these old letters men-
tions his friend, John McKee, "Mouth of Yough." This was the founder of
McKeesport. Whether they were related I am not sure, but they visited and
corresponded and had business transactions with tach other.
I write this data largely for the benefit of my own children, who are so
far behind the generation to which they properly belong, as well as for any
others who might be interested in the family or the history involved in the
sketch. To my knowledge his descendants run down at least as far as great-
great-great-grandchildren. It comes to me direct from my father who got
it from his mother. I will run the data down to the grandchildren, leaving
it to each branch of the family to follow it out to the end so far as it concerns
themselves. The teaching proclivities of the grandsire seem to have de-
scended to the grandchildren, as many of them were teachers, and one a
preacher as well. The military instinct seems also to have come down the
same way, as at least five of the grandsons wore the blue and saw service
in the Civil war. They were William Young, James N. McLeod, James F.
McKee, Robert W. McKee and David F. McKee. Two of these were severely
wounded — James N. McLeod in the battle of Stone River, and Robert W.
McKee in the battle of the Wilderness. All of them except James N. Mc-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 389
leod are alive at this date (November 5, 1907). He died many years ago,
while serving as county treasurer of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Their
first postoffice was Greensburg, postage 25 cents. Next, the letters came
in care of Daniel McKeown, storekeeper, who was a prominent farmer and
merchant, at what was afterwards called Oakland X Roads, and is now known
as Mamont. Some of his descendants still reside there. Postage 17 cents and
12Y2 cents. Then they began to come to Crawford's Mills. This shows the
growth of the postoffice department within one generation. The church they
-attended was Poke Run Presbyterian church, eight miles distant. I have
heard my father sav that he has walked there barefooted, sat on a log for a
pew, heard the preacher deliver excellent discourses standing on some logs
built up for a pulpit, and the sky for a roof. Truly, "The groves were God's
first temples." This was at a time when all the men, including the preacher,
carried their guns with them to church. Other incidents in the history of
this family might be mentioned; but the purpose is to shorten this sketch as
much as possible.
Sarah Free, wife of David McKee, was a native of Haverford, Delaware
county, Pennsylvania, of Welsh antecedants, and if not a Quaker, of Quaker
-descent. The date of her birth is not known, but according to the age given
in the record of her death in the possession of the Young family the year
must have been 1758, made historic by the capture of Fort Duquesne by the
British army under General Forbes. She was a young girl in her teens when
the battle of Brandywine w'as fought around her home in 1777. She must
have been an only daughter, as in all the correspondence no sister is men-
tioned. Neither is her mother mentioned, and it is to be inferred that she
was left motherless while yet young. Her father is mentioned as having
broken up his home by a "vendue" on account of his "poor state of health,"
and living with an aunt, and his death is recorded as occurring August 2,
1797. That she had at least five brothers is certain, because there are letters
from each of them. They are Abraham, John, James. Samuel, and David,
quite an array "of good scriptural names. I think Abraham and John were
farmers. James learned the saddler trade with "George Luken's brother Joel."
Samuel was a cabinetmaker, and a good one, because I have a sample of his
workmanship. He was also a prolific writer. David was first lieutenant in
"Captain ^Muhlenberg's Company in the War of 1812." Much anxiety in
regard to his safety is expressed in some of the letters, but later ones state
that he is safe and on his way home. Some of the letters speak of legacies
due her, one of $320, which had been in the bank for several months. One
letter dated April 28, 1815, states they have the news there that Bonaparte is
again "Emperor of France." That was after his escape from Elbe, and
fifty days before the battle of Waterloo, which put an end to the public career
of that wonderful man. This sister of five brothers, a pioneer and the mother
of pioneers, lived a widow for more than thirty years after the death of her
husband in the backwoods where they had made their home. Her death
occurred in 1834 in her seventy-seventh year. Her remains repose beside those
of her husband in Poke Run church graveyard. (Of the five brothers and
their descendants I know naught save what has been written.)
The children of David and Sarah (Free) McKee: i. Samuel, date of
birth not know. He learned the trade of tanner in Philadelphia. He married
Jane Crawford, daughter of George Crawford, and lived near the present
390 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
site of Apollo, Pennsylvania. He was accidentally drowned in the Kiskiminetas
river near his home while )'et a young man, leaving a widow and t^iree chil-
dren. The widow afterwards married Alexander McKinstry, and with him
settled near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where descendants of both husbands
still live.
2. Eleanor, born in 1790. She grew to womanhood and married John
W. Young, who was, I think, a native of Maryland. They owned land and
occupied a part of the old home tract, where they raised nine children. This
is still owned and occupied by their only living child, William, and his family.
Their descendants are citizens of this and other states. Both died at an
advanced age.
3. William, was born at Fair Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1792. This place is
thought to be now included in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia. He owned and
occupied a part of the old tract, where he followed the occupation of a fanner.
He married Hannah Postlewaite, of French Huguenot descent, and they were
the parents of seven children, three boys and four girls. Two of these are
living at this date (November 5, 1907). Their descendants are citizens of
this and other states. His death was caused by an accidental fall at the age
of about seventy-three. The death of his wife preceded his own many years.
4. Nancy, date and place of birth not known, probably Bedford, Penn-
sylvania. Alarried John Porterfield ; died childless.
5. Margaret, became an invalid, and died unmarried in middle life.
6. Abraham F., bom August 31, 1797, at what is since known as Craw-
ford's Mills, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His birth occurred on the
night of the first day in which they occupied their new cabin built to succeed
the one destroyed by the Indians. He was crippled at the age of thirteen by
a tree falling on him. He had a famous schoolmaster who was a noted pen-
man, and who taught him to read, write and cipher as far as the "double
rule of three." That was the graduating point in those days. He also pre-
sented him with a specimen of his handiwork in the form of a '"Birth Certifi-
cate" drawn in colored inks with a quill pen. This is in my possession. He
lived with and cared for his mother until her death, and six years later (in
1840) married Polly Watson, daughter of Robert Watson, a native- of Frank-
lin county, Pennsylvania, and Sarah McLeod, a daughter of William McLeod,
of near Inverness, Scotland, and Rosanna Moorehead, a native of Ireland.
This William McLeod had served in the British army during the famous siege
of Gibraltar, where he had been for several years, but on the raising of the
siege received his discharge and came to America on a sight-seeing expedition.
There he met his fate in the Irish girl, married her, and settled on a farm in
Washington township, Westmoreland county, near the headwaters of little
Puckety Creek, where they raised their family and lived out their lives.
Abraham F. and his wife were the parents of six children, only two of whom
reached maturity — Robert W. McKee and the writer hereof. Drawing his
first breath as a pioneer, he lived out his long life within fiftv miles of the
place of his birth, dying in 1881, in his eighty-fourth year, the last survivor
of his family by many years. His remains lie in Bear Creek cemetery, Butler
county, Pennsylvania. His wife died in 1896, and lies in Homewood cemetery,
I'ittsburg, Pennsylvania. Although born in a "log cabin," he never became
great, but such does not always prove the case, for twelve years later another
boy was born in a "log cabin" in another state, and when he was twenty-one
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 391
he had learned to read, write and cipher as far as the "double rule of three."
Still, a few years later another boy was born in a log house in another state,
and when he began to think he was old enough to go to work his father,
much against his will, procured his appointment as a cadet in West Point
Military Academy. There were times in these lives that looked like failures,
but history records the careers of Lincoln the stateman, and Grant the warrior,
and refuses to mark them failures. Their living children are : Robert W.,
born March 17, 1841. He was a farm boy. He finished the first of his more
than thirty terms of public school teaching before being seventeen years old
and snatched a fair education at intervals from school and self-study. He
served in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania \^olun-
teers. during the Civil war, and was severely wounded in the battle of the
\\'ilderness, ^lay 5, 1864. He married, June 18, 1873, Isora (Zoe) C.
Beighel, of Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania, who died March i, 1906. One son
was born June 29, 1874, Edward H. W., a photographer, is living. Two
children, a girl and a boy, are dead. He had been a resident of Pittsburg
for twenty-tive years, and his life had been varied in occupation, as teacher
and principal clerk, bank teller and bank cashier eleven years, traveling sales-
man, bookkeeper and office manager for many different firms of the city, and
superintendent of indexing for the Guarantee Title and Trust Company. He
was never an active party politician, never holding public ofifice except school
director nine years, voting for what he thought the greatest good to the
greatest number, and therefore always opposed to the spread of the liquor
traffic. He was one of the enumerators of the census of 1900 in the city. He
had lived for twenty-one years at 7021 Susquehanna street. His death oc-
curred December 17, 1907.
The other son, David F., commenced at eighteen as a country school
teacher, served a short term in the Civil war in Company A. First Battalion,
Stewart's Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, enlisted for a second term, but
was never mustered in. He worked in the oil regions, being at Pit Hole City
when it was at its best, continued to teach, and was a merchant and post-
master at Olivet, Pennsylvania. He married Xancy J., daughter of William
IMcOuilkin, of North Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1868. Her death occurred
in 1869, leaving one son, who died in 1895 without issue. In 1871 he spent
a year in Kansas. In 1872 married Frances T., daughter of Samuel jMiller,
of Beatty, Pennsylvania. In 1873 he removed to Butler county, Pennsylvania,
w4iere he served as school principal, notary public, a term as county superin-
tendent, then removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he has been a
traveling salesman, principal of a ward school for six years, and latterly has
been pursuing a commercial life. The last marriage has issue of five children,
three boys and two girls. Only three are living — two boys, Wayne and David
Oliver, and one girl, Mary Martha. That is the history to date (November 5,
1907). What the future has in store only time can reveal.
7. Sarah, born 1800, married when yovmg, about 1820, David McLeod,
who was the only son of the William and Margaret McLeod spoken of in
the narrative of A. F. ]\IcKee, and his wife. They were the parents of ten
children, four boys and six girls. They lived in Armstrong county, Pennsyl-
vania, near Kittanning. The James N. McLeod spoken of in the military
history of the family was their son. Only one of these children survives at
392
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
this date, Mrs. Margaret Cochran, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The mother
of these children was my father's sister, and their father was my mother's
uncle, thus making them doubly related without mixing the blood. The name
of this particular IMcLeod family has become extinct by reason of the death
of all the male members without leaving male issue to perpetuate it, but the
blood still exists in the descendants of the daughters.
8. Mary, born 1802, married David Skillen, and was the mother of six
children, two boys and four girls. They lived and died on a farm at North
Washington, Pennsylvania. Their surviving descendants are residents of
Iowa so far as known to me.
REV. JOHN ANDERSON JAYNE, a well-known divine of Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, and prominently identified with the literary and lecture
field, is a representative of a highly respected family of New England.
Clement P. Jayne, father of Rev. John Anderson Jayne, was born in
Hampden, Maine, in 1827, and died October 19, 1905. He attained promi-
nence as a sea captain, and was engaged successfully in the deep sea trade
for many years, later becoming superintendent of the Sailors' Snug Harbor
of Boston, Massachusetts. He married Phoebe Anne Perkins, who died Oc-
tober 21, 1873, ^nd they had children: Frank C, born in Lynn, Massachusetts,
in 1854; Joseph P., born in the same town in 1857, and Rev. John Anderson,
concerning whom see forward.
Rev. John Anderson Jayne, third son and youngest child of Clement P.
and Phoebe Anne (Perkins) Jayne, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Novem-
ber 18, 1863. His preparatory education was acquired in the public schools
of Woburn and Boston, Massachusetts, and he then spent some years traveling
throughout the west. He matriculated at Kentucky University in 1886, for a
special course, leaving that institution in 1890. His first pastoral call was to
Chardon, Ohio, where he remained for a period of two years, and where his
efficient labors were productive of a great amount of good. His next charge
was in Nelsonville, Ohio, where he also remained for two years, leaving there
in 1897 to accept a call to Allegheny as pastor of the Observatory Hill Chris-
tian church, a charge to which he ministered faithfully and conscientiously
for a period of ten years. He came to Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1906, as pastor of the Belmar Christian church, and resides at No.
7241 Race street. In addition to being an earnest and successful worker in
the religious field. Rev. Jayne is on the editorial staiif of the Pittsburg
Leader and has lectured on historical and psychological subjects throughout
the eastern states. He is a ready and fluent preacher, and his excellent per-
sonal characteristics are a material aid in furthering the good work he has
undertaken. He is a member of Allegheny Commandery, No. 35, Knights
Templar, and is a life member and chaplain of Allegheny Lodge, No. 339,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He married, July 7, 1891, Laura B. Cason, daughter of Lewis and Esher
(MacMillan) Cason, of Sherman, Grant county, Kentucky. Dr. Jayne speaks
of himself as a Massachusetts man by birth, a Buckeye by emigration, a Ken-
tuckian by marriage, and a Pennsylvanian by adoption. His friends say that
he is seventy-two inches of sunshine and two hundred pounds of amiability.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 393
\\'ALTER LYON, of Sewickley, ex-lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania,
born April 27, 1853, in Shaler township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
received his education in the public schools of Pittsburg, and at the Wakeam
Academy. He was fitted for the legal profession in the office of Samuel
Purviance, and in 1876 was admitted to the bar. In 1889 he was appointed
United States district attorney, and in 1893 was elected state senator to fill
the unexpired term of Hon. John N. Neeb. In 1894. when Daniel Hartman
Hastings was elected governor of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lyon, who had been
nominated on the same ticket for lieutenant-governor, also received the tribute
of an election. From 1884 to 1893 he was a member of the Republican state
convention, and in 1890 served as chairman. He has since practiced law in
Pittsburg as a member of the firm of Lyon, Hunter & Burke. He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church. ^
Mr. Lyon married Charlotte Wible, and they are the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Lotta, born in 1879. wife of Charles L. Monroe, two sons,
Charles L. and Walter Lyon; Edwin, born in 1881, married Bettv B. Mc-
Kown, children, Edwin and Charlotte; Walter, born in 1883, student at the
University of Michigan; Stanley, born in 1888, student at Yale LTniversity;
Ethel, born in 1890, Miss Marshall's School, Oak Lane, Philadelphia; and
Jack Wible, born 1897.
Mrs. Lyon is a daughter of Harrison Wible, a granddaughter of Andrew
Wible and a great-granddaughter of August Weible, as the name was then
spelled. August Weible was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and
married Katharine Snyder, aunt of Simon Snyder, third governor of Penn-
sylvania.
Andrew Weible, son of August and Katharine (Snyder) Weible, was
born in 1767, in Lancaster county, whence he migrated in 1790 to East
Liberty, Pittsburg. Later he moved to Shaler township, Allengheny county,
and took up a large tract of land on which he resided until his death. While
in Pittsburg he drew the pickets to build the old block house on the Point.
Andrew Weible married ]\Iary Smith, who bore him the following children :
John, Adam, George. Andrew, Harrison, of whom later; William, James,
Susan, Katharine, Sarah, Mary Ann, and Elizabeth.
Harrison Wible, son of Andrew and Mary (Smith) Weible, was born
in 1818, in Shaler township, Allegheny county, and obtained his education in
the public schools. He passed his life as a farmer in his native township,
occupying a portion of the homestead. He was a Whig and later a Repub-
lican, as became one named in honor of William Henry Harrison. It was foi
the hero of Tippecanoe that Mr. Wible cast his first vote, giving his last foi
Benjamin Harrison, the hero's grandson. Mr. Wible was a member of the
Presbyterian church. He married Rachel, daughter of William and Jean (Mc-
Clean) Wilson, and their children were: i. Mary, wife of Wesley Gibner, of
Mercer county, children, Minnie and Harry W. 2. William Wilson, born
September 26, 1845, married Nancy Turner, children, Harry, Maud, Ira,
Lawrence, Luella. Myrtle, William. Gilbert and Florence. William W'ilson
Wible was for several years engaged in teaching, but at the time of his mar-
riage purchased a farm and has since followed agricultural pursuits. 3. James
A., born September 16, 1847. undertaker at Oakdale, married Elizabeth John-
son, children, Bessie, Mary, Blanche and ]Mabel. 4. Lucinda, died in childhood.
394
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
5. Rachel, who married, first, Harry Hodil, second, Winfield S. Marshall.
Children by first marriage, Alford, Jennie, Alilton and Claire. By second
marriagfe there was no issue. 6. Harrison, born November 9, 1854; in the
serviceof the United States government. He married Eva Hunter, children,
Eva, wife of Samuel Edgar Hare, child, Charlotte ; and Jean. 7. Charlotte,
wife of Walter Lyon. 8. Jennie E., wife of Walter Diehl. children, Bernard
W. and Jennie W.
DIEHL FAMILY. The Diehl family is one of the oldest in the state of
Pennsylvania, having come originally from Germany, and the various members
have inherited the habits of thrift, industry and integrity which are so char-
acteristic of the natives of that country. They have been prominent in many
directions, notably in financial and political circles.
(I) William Diehl, the first member of this family of whom we have
any record in this country, was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, and
emigrated to America at a very early date. He lived for a short time in
Philadelphia, and then took up his residence in a log cabin on the present
site of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, many years before that city was in existence.
He was a man of influence in the community in which he resided, and the first
mention of his name is to be found in the first charter. He was the founder
of the German Lutheran church at the corner of Sixth avenue and Smith-
field street. He married Catherine , and they had one child.
(II) John Diehl, only child of William and Catherine Diehl, was born
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 5, 1794, and died in 1821. He took up
the butcher's trade, which he carried on very successfully all his life and
amassed a considerable fortune. He was a member of the German Lutheran
church founded by his father, and his political affiliations were with the Whig
party. He married Anna Rippey, and they had children: i. Catherine, de-
ceased, born January 27, 1817. Married (first) Dr. Filley, had children:
Horace and Miles; married (second) John McCray, and had one daughter,
who married a Mr. Patterson. 2. Sarah, deceased, born November 11, 1818,
married and had one daughter, who married a Mr. Bennett and now resides
in St. Louis, Missouri. 3. William Valentine, see forward. After the death
of John Diehl his widow married again and removed to St. Louis, Missouri,
where she died.
(III) William Valentine Diehl, only son and third and youngest child of
Joim and Anna (Rippey) Diehl, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March
10, 1821, and died May 23, 1876. He was but a very young child when his
father died and he was raised by his paternal grandmother. He enjoyed the
advantages of an excellent education for that day, attending the public schools
of the city, and later the Pittsburg College. He inherited a considerable
fortune as his share of the paternal estate, and was a man who enjoyed life
in everv direction. This, however, did not interfere with his business capacity
and ability. Early in life he engaged in mercantile business, conducting a
wholesale and retail tobacco store on a large scale. For a time he held a posi-
tion as clerk on steamboats on the .Mlegheny river. He took a great interest
in the public affairs of the community and was an earnest worker in the ranks
of the Republican party. His religious affiliations were with the Lutheran
church. He was a man of great physical strength, noted for his liberality and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 395
kind-lieartedness, his generosity being many times prejudicial to his own
interests.
He married, in Pittsburg, April 17, 1844, Jane C. Elliot, born in Phila-
delphia ;\Iarch 19, 1821, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Esler) Elliot. She
was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, a loving wife and devoted
mother. Her death occurred October 15, 1905, and she, with the members
of her family who preceded her, are buried in Allegheny cemetery. Thomas
Elliot, her father, was a native of county Antrim, Ireland, where he learned
the blacksmith's trade, in which he was engaged throughout the active years
of his life. He emigrated to America about 1820, settled in Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, where he successfully carried on his business. He was a member of
the Presbyterian church. He married, in Ireland, Jane Esler, and Airs. Diehl
was their first child born in America. William Valentine and Jane C. (Elliot)
Diehl had children: i. William J., see forward. 2. Jennie, died at the age of
two years. 3. Annie, died at the age of three years. 4. Thomas, died in
infancy. 5. and 6. James and Robert, twins, died in infancy. 7. Clara, mar-
ried John B. Lober, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. 8. Annie E., resides in
Pittsburg. 9. Jane E., residing at No. 5418 Stanton avenue, Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, is well known and highly respected throughout the city for her un-
ostentatious charity and many estimable qualities. She is a woman who ket^s
well abreast of the times in all matters of literature and general interest. 10.
and II. Two children who died in infancy.
(IV) William J. Diehl, eldest child of William Valentine and Jane C.
(Elliot) Diehl, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1845. He
w-as educated in the public schools of the city, then attended West Academy for
a short time, but was compelled to abandon for a time his studies in order to
earn money with \\hich to continue them. For two years he was employed
by one of the brush and notion stores, and then returned to the Academy and
resumed his studies. Upon the completion of his education he accepted a
position as clerk in the shoe store of C. R. Gardner, remaining there for a
period of six years. At this time he was appointed chief clerk in the sherifif's
office, under Sheriff Samuel B. Cluley, and in 1883 was appointed to a position
in the office of the city treasurer. He served in the capacitv of clerk for a
period of two and a half years and was then appointed chief clerk of this
office, a position he filled with credit until he was appointed record examiner
by the county commissioners, being the first incumbent of that office. He was
elected to represent the Xineteenth ward in the select council in 1898, and in
the following year was elected mayor of the city of Pittsburg by a large
majority. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party,
and he has served as a member of the school board in the Xineteenth and
Twentieth wards. He is interested in a number of business enterprises :
When the Wheeling Natural Gas Company was organized he was the first
bookkeeper of the corporation and was later made its secretary and treasurer ;
he is now assistant secretary and auditor of all the branches of the Light and
Heat Company ; has a large interest and is one of the directors of the Ben-
nington Typewriter Company, of Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of Calvary
Episcopal church, in whose interests he has been active, and has been a dele-
gate to many conventions. He is connected with the following fraternal
organizations: Hailman Lodge, Xo. 321, Free and Accepted Masons, and is
past worshipful master of that body; charter member of Pittsburg Chapter,
396 . A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
No. 268, Royal Arch Masons, and past high priest of that order ; charter mem-
ber of Duyum Commandery No. y2, Knights Templar, and past eminent com-
mander of the state of Pennsylvania ; life member of Pennsylvania Con-
sistory. Mr. Diehl married, January 22, 1874, Rev. John Scarborough officiat-
ing, Mary Grail, born in Massillon, Ohio, April 13, 1850, died February 16,
1897, daughter of Lewis G. and Nancy (McClintic) Graff, and they had chil-
dren : Helen, who married Edward H. Sutton, and has one child, Virginia ;
and Virginia, who resides with her father at No. 5708 Stanton avenue.
REVEREND ISAAC BANKS. The late Reverend Isaac Banks, of
Pittsburg, organizer of the Nineteenth Street Baptist church, and for nineteen
years its pastor, was born May 22, 181 1, at the head of Lake Chautauqua, New
York, son of Joseph Banks and grandson of Richard Banks, who was lineally
•descended from Sir Joseph Banks, an English baronet.
The paternal grandfather of the Reverend Isaac Banks was born in Eng-
land, and came with his wife and three sons to the United States. He pur-
chased three hundred acres of land which are now included in the city of
Camden, New Jersey, and on this estate passed the remainder of his life.
During the war of 1812 he kept a blacksmith's shop and did much work for
the army, his sons assisting him. These sons were : Richard, who became a
o-oldsmith ; John, who was a silversmith ; and Joseph, of whom later. The
death of the father occurred at his home in New Jersey.
Josepli Banks, son of Richard Banks, was a blacksmith, and during the
war of 1812 served in the army. Prior to this he lived for some years in
Kingston, Canada, making his home with his father-in-law. In 181 1 he re-
turned to the United States, making the journey to Pittsburg (their objective
point) in wagons. On their arrival they settled in what is now West Pitts-
burg, and soon after, as stated above, Mr. Banks enlisted in the army. During
liis military service he was wounded in the battle of Lundy's Lane and con-
tracted lung trouble from the wound which resulted in his death soon after
the close of the war. His widow was left with six children, whom she reared
to manhood and womanhood. She became the wife of Adam Bruner, with
whom she returned to Canada and there spent the residue of her days. She
was Mary E. Tockelmeyer, of German parentage, and the children by her
marriage to Joseph Banks were the following, three of whom were born in
Canada and three in the L'nited States : William, glassblower, married Jane
Craig and died in West Pittsburg ; Abraham, glassblower, married Caroline
Hafer and died in Fayette City, Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, who went to Canada
with her mother, married there, and had two sons who served in the Civil
war ; Isaac, of whom later ; Susan, who married Peter Mitty in Canada, and
died there ; and Jacob, who died in early manhood.
Isaac Banks, son of Joseph and Mary E. (Tockelmeyer) Banks, was
born while his parents were en route to Pittsburg, and received his elementary
education in the schools of that city. While still a boy he began to work in a
glass factory, learned glassblowing, and in course of time became superintend-
ent of a glass factory in Fayette City. During this period he had no oppor-
tunities of attending school, and nearly all his education was obtained by
studying at home after the completion of his day's work. His associates at
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 397
the factory called him the "aristocratic glassblower," because he would never
"loaf around'' after work, but would go home and apply himself to his
books. He began studying for the ministry immediately after his marriage,
and for some years previous to his ordination served as a supply. In 1858
he was ordained in South Pittsburg, his first charge being the South Pitts-
burg Baptist church. From this, as a nucleus, he organized what is now the
Nineteenth Street Baptist church, the first services being held about 1862, in
the East Birmingham Academy on Carson street, with but a handful of mem-
bers. Later the congregation bought the little old German church on Nine-
teenth street, and in 1881. after the death of Mr. Banks, the present edifice
was erected. He also organized and served churches at Wexford and Banks-
ville, the latter place being named in his honor. He first made his home in
Brownsville and later in Fayette City, moving thence to Centre street (now
Fifteenth street), on the South Side, and finally taking up his abode in the
house which he built on Sarah street and which was his home for the re-
mainder of his life. He was a public-spirited citizen, ever ready to aid by
word and action any project which, in his judgment, tended to further the
best interests of the community. He was brought up to believe in the doctrines
of the Democratic party, but later joined the Know-Nothings and ultimately
identified himself with the Republicans.
Air. Banks married, in November 1833, in Brownsville, Maria Durnal,
and the following children were born to them: i. Alary Jane, who died in
girlhood. 2. Anna E., who for nineteen years was engaged in missionary
work among the poor of Pittsburg, but was finally forced by failing health to
retire and now resides on the homestead. 3. Courtland D., who was born in
Fayette City, educated in the public schools of the South Side, and while yet
a boy enlisted in Company B (commanded by Captain Felker), Sixty-second
Regiment, Pennsylvania \'olunteer Infantry. He served throughout the war,
participating in thirty-two hard-fought battles, and was wounded by a spent
ball at Spottsylvania. For a time he was connected with the commissary de-
partment. After the war he served for twenty-one years as a postal clerk.
He married Leora Olin, of Ohio, and died in Kent, in that state, while on a
visit there. 4. Sophia, wife of Samuel P. Hollis, of Lower St. Clair township.
5. Joseph Early, born in Fayette City, educated in public schools of Pittsburg
and became a glass-finisher. When a boy he enlisted in Company B (Captain
Patterson commanding). Thirteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer In-
fantrv, for three months' service. At the end of that time he returned home
and enlisted for the remainder of the war on the ship "Prairie Bird," United
States Navv, taking part in some important battles. He resides on the home-
stead. 6. Harriet Durnal, who died in early womanhood. 7. Maria K., wife
of Gordon Stewart, resides on homestead.
Mrs. Banks was a daughter of Moses and Rachel (Early) Durnal, and
was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, her parents moving to Brownsville while
she was still a child. Her mother was an aunt of General Joseph Early, the
Confederate commander, with whom she corresponded throughout the war.
The death of Mrs. Banks occurred February 4, 1881. She is buried in the
South Side cemetery, beside her husband, who closed his long career of use-
fulness and honor February 23, 1884, rich in the love of the churches he had
so faithfully served and in the sincere respect of the entire community.
398 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ROHRKASTE FAMILY. This family, which has been for three genera-
tions resident in Pittsburg, and which numbers among its present representa-
tives in that citv the brothers, Frederick G. and Christian C. Rohrkaste, was
founded in this' country by Frederick Rohrkaste, a native of Prussia and a
farmer. He served in the German army, and in i860 came with his wife and
one son to the United States, settHng in Pittsburg, whither his other children
had preceded him. He and his wife were members of St. Paul's German
Evangelical Lutheran church.
Frederick Rohrkaste married Eleanora Wiggravier, and their children
were : Ernest ; Frederick, formerly of Brownstown, now of New Brighton ;
Henry, who married Mary Hager, and died in Pittsburg in 1882 ; Mary, wife
of Charles Kohlmeier, of Mount Washington, Pittsburg; and Sophia, who
died in Pittsburg, the wife of William Kramer. The mother of these children
died in Pittsburg in 1877, aged seventy-four, and the father also passed away
in this citv at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
Ernest Rohrkaste, son of Frederick and Eleanora (Wiggravier) Rohr-
kaste, was born March 23. 1823, in Prussia, and received a common school
education. At the age of fourteen he left school and thereafter was variously
employed until 1846, when he emigrated to the United States. He sailed from
Bremen for New York on a sailing vessel, which took ten weeks to make the
voyage. Having friends in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he went thither, but after
one year came to Pittsburg, where for four years he worked in a foundry.
In 1850 he was employed in the Bennette Soda Works, in Brownstown, but
later moved to Fourteenth street, where he engaged in the grocery business.
In 1859 he built a dwelling and store on Thirteenth street, where he conducted
business until 1869, when he removed to the corner of Twenty-third and Car-
son streets. In addition to his grocery business he was for a time interested
in the Empire laundry, now conducted by his son, Frederick G. Rohrkaste.
In 1891 Mr. Rohrkaste retired from active business life, being succeeded in
trade by his sons. About the time of his retirement he removed to the resi-
dence now occupied by his widow, on Boggs avenue. Mount Washington,
where he passed the residue of his days. He possessed a marked degree of
business ability and was a man of strict integrity. Politically he was a life-
long Republican. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church
on Eighteenth street.
Mr. Rohrkaste married, July 27, 1850, Sophia Stolte, to whom he had
been betrothed before leaving Germany, and whom he sent for to join him in
his new home. Mrs. Rohrkaste was a daughter of Frederick Stolte, who was
born January 11, 1801, in Germany, and was by trade a shoemaker. He mar-
ried Dorothea Wolfe, born July 25, 1801. Mr. Stole died in 1843, in Germany,
and his widow came to the United States with five children, two having pre-
ceded her. Her death occurred in 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. Rohrkaste became the parents of the following children:
I. Ernest Frederick, born June, 185 1, died in infancy. 2. Louisa Sophia, born
.September 19, 1852, died in 1877, one year after her marriage to Christian
Hitzemann, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. 3. William Frederick, born November
8, 1854, educated in German and at the public schools, took the store conducted
by his brother when the latter moved to Carson street. He died March 20,
1906, leaving a widow, Annie (Kohlmeier) Rohrkaste. 4. Edward August,
born May 26, 1857, died July i, 1896. He was educated in both German and
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 399
English, and for many years was engaged in the insurance business in Pitts-
burg. 5. Herman A., born May 11, i860, died January 21, 1905. He was
educated in pubHc and German schools, succeeded his father in connection with
his brother, and subsequently retired from mercantile business. 6. Louis Her-
man, born November 5, 1862, was also educated in both German and English,
including the public schools and a three-years' cotirse at Fort Wayne College.
For a time he was engaged in insurance business, but later was clerk in the
Keystone Brewing Company's ofifice, and afterward held an official position in
the Pittsburg Brewery. He died in June, 1903, leaving a widow. Agnes-
( Boyle) Rohrkaste. 7. John F., of whom later. 8. Frederick G. 9. Christian
C., of whom later. Ernest Rohrkaste, the father of this family, died May 3.
1904.
John F. Rohrkaste, son of Ernest and Soplfia (Stolte) Rohrkaste, was
born May 29, 1866. and attended the same class of schools as did his brothers.
He served for a time as clerk in his father's store, and after his marriage
engaged for the remainder of his life in the restaurant business on Carson
street. Mr. Rohrkaste married, March 20, 1889, Clara A. Runk, and their
children were: Aurelia Augusta, born November 4, 1892; Zora Louisa, born
January 7, 1894; Alberta L'rsula, bom September 22, 1895, died at the age
of sixteen months ; and Ernest Rudolph David, born May 4, 1898. John F.
Rohrkaste died Alarch 22, 1904.
Mrs. Rohrkaste is a daughter of Rudolph Runk, who was born December
25, 1838, in Germany, and at sixteen came to the L^nited States, landing in
New York and coming thence to Pittsburg, where he learned the cooper's
trade. He had been well educated and became a teacher in the German
Lutheran school at Eighteenth and Sidney streets, also acting as choirmaster,
a position which he held for a number of years. He has now been for some
time salesman for a liquor house and also conducts several singing societies.
Mr. Runk married, in i860, in Pittsburg, Catharine, born August, 1839, near
that city, daughter of Philip and Barbara (Snyder) Pfeil, natives of Germany,
the former one of the first butchers on the South Side. Mr. and Mrs. Runk
are the parents of three sons and a daughter : Louis, of South Side, married
three times; Clara A., born January 2, 1868, at Eleventh and Carson streets,
widow of John F. Rohrkaste: Herman, at home: and Rudolph, of Homestead.
Christian C. Rohrkaste, son of Ernest and Sophia (Stolte) Rohrkaste,
was born April 4, 1873. in the old homestead house in the Twenty-fifth ward
of Pittsburg. He first attended German schools and then for six years was a
pupil in the Morris public school, subsequently finishing his education at the
English public schools, after a second course in the German schools. At the
age of fourteen he became clerk in his father's store, and followed this line'of
work both for iiis father and brothers until 1905, when he bought out his
brother Herman, and is now the proprietor of the business. He affiliates with
the Masonic fraternity and the L O. C). F., and has always been a supporter
of the Republican party. He was reared a strict Lutheran.
Mr. Rohrkaste married, November 15, 1905, in Pittsburg, Pearl, daughter
of the late James Larimer.
HENRY ROHRKASTE. The late Henry Rohrkaste, for many years a
respected citizen of Pittsburg, was born in February, 1843, in Prussia, Ger-
400
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
many, youngest of the five children of Frederick and Elenora (Higgraver)
Rohrkaste.
Henry Rohrkaste received his education in the schools of his native place,
and after leaving school assisted his father on the farm until the time of his
emigration to the United States. After his arrival in New York he proceeded
immediately to Pittsburg, where other members of his family had settled. He
served for a time as clerk in the grocery of William West, on Twenty-seventh
street. South Side, and about the time of his marriage went into business for
himself, his store being situated on Twenty-sixth street. He then built a store
and dwelling on Sarah street, to which he removed and in which he carried
on business successfully until the close of his life. His political views were
always in accordance with the doctrines of the Republican party, but he took
no active part in public affairs. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran church.
]\Ir. Rohrkaste married Mary Barbara Hager, and the following children
were born to them: Henry T. F., Bertha Barbara (died at the age of seven-
teen), Lillie AL, Elenora and Henrietta. The death of Mr. Rohrkaste, which
occurred in 1882, was an inexpressible bereavement to his family and friends
and deprived Pittsburg of an excellent citizen. His widow continued the
business until her death, which was in 1897.
Mrs. Rohrkaste was born February 2, 1849, i" New York City, and was a
daughter of Thomas and Barbara Margaret (Wolf) Hager. Thomas Hager
and his wife were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in
1848, and after one year settled in Pittsburg.
Henry T. F. Rohrkaste, son of Flenry and Mary Barbara (Hager)
Rohrkaste, was born February 15, 1871, in the house where he now lives and
conducts business. At the age of seven years he became a pupil at the
parochial school of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, remaining four
years, and he then entered Morris school, in the Twenty-fifth ward, where he
finished his studies, graduating at the age of fourteen under Principal AIc-
Clure. He was but eleven years old when his father died, and at the age
of fourteen became a clerk in the grocery which was then conducted by his
mother. After the death of the latter he and his sisters took charge of the
business and have carried it on to the present time.
Mr. Rohrkaste is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and
a member of the Shrine and other fraternal organizations. In politics he
affiliates with the Republicans. He is a member of St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran church.
LOUIS HERMAN ROHRKASTE. The late Louis Herman Rohrkaste,
for many years a worthy citizen of Pittsburg, was born November 5, 1862, and
married Agnes Boyle, by whom he had the following children : Luella Sophia,
born December 7, 1891 ; Norman Frederick, born March 28, 1893 ; Elizabeth
Marie, born November 27, 1897; Kathryne Lucinda, born December 7, 1899;
and Ernest Theodore, born July 26, 1903.
The death of Mr. Rohrkaste, which occurred June 11, 1903, was regarded
by all to whom he was known as a serious loss, not only to his family and
friends, but also the community in which he had always borne the part of an
upright citizen.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 401
Mrs. Rohrkaste is a daughter of Henry Boyle and a granddaughter of
David Boyle, who died on his farm at College Hill, Beaver county, Pennsyl-
vania, this land being the present site of Geneva College. The Boyles are one
of the oldest and best-known families of the county.
Henry Boyle, son of David Boyle, was born June 16, 1829, in Beaver
county, and passed his early life on the home farm. About the time of his
marriage he began boating, and continued to run boats with the assistance of
his sons until the canal was abandoned. He then retired from active labor and
spent the remainder of his life in seclusion. He was a Democrat in politics
and a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Boyle married Lucinda Xowling, also a native of Beaver county, and
among their children was a daughter, Agnes, born in New Brighton, Beaver
county, wife of Louis Herman Rohrkaste. Mr. Boyle died at his home on
June 15, 1894, aged sixty-five. He was an esteemed citizen and a truly useful
and worthy man. sincerely respected by all to whom he was known. His widow
is still living, having attained to an advanced age.
DAV'ID S. BURNS, a resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, who has
in the course of a useful life followed a variety of callings and has now been
in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Companv for the long period of
thirty-two years, represents the second generation of his family in the United
States, tracing his ancestry to that land of thrift and industrv, Scotland.
John Burns, grandfather of David S. Burns, was a resident of Glasgow^
Scotland, and at one time a gamekeeper on one of the large estates of that
countr}-. He married Mary Smith, and among his children were : James, who
was the father of John, David, Alargaret, Agnes and another daughter, all of
whom settled in the western part of the United States ; and John.
John Burns, son of John and Hilary (Smith) Burns, was born in Johns-
town, Scotland, about 1826. He emigrated to America about 185 1 and settled
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked at the trade of molding for
Mcintosh & Hemphill, and later for other firms in the iron foundry line. He
then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he also found employment in an iron
foundry, and in 1852' was carried away by an English press gang, forced into
the British naval service, and taken to China. During this time he was instru-
mental in saving a ship's crew from pirates in the China seas, for which act
of bravery he w-as awarded a gold watch, suitably inscribed, and ten thousand
dollars salvage money. He left the British service at the termination of the
Crimean war and paid a visit to the relatives of his wife in Scotland in order to
discover the whereabouts of his wife and family. He had, during his enforced
absence, continually remitted large sums of money to her as long as he was
aware of her address, yet her relatives refused him this information, claiming
he had deserted her. He returned to the LInited States and entered the naval
service during the Civil war, serving until he was wounded and discharged
for disability. He was later, in 1866, engaged in the oil business in connection
with his brother James at Titusville, Pennsylvania, then went to Texas, where
all trace of him was lost. Although his son, whose name heads this sketch,
used all means at his disposal and. spent large sums of monev in the efforts
to find some trace of his father, these proved unavailing. John Burns mar-
ried Mary Scott, born 1826, died March 23, 1906, and they had children: i.
ill— 26
402 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
John, a machinist, married Christina Shaffer. 2. David S., see forward. 3.
Mary, twin of David S., married John Major, of EngHsh descent, an engineer
in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
David S. Burns, second son and child of John and Mary (Scott) Burns,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1852. His education was ac-
quired in the public schools of Wilkins township, which he attended until he
was nine years of age, and then commenced the serious business of life as
assistant to a rope maker by the name of Linkner, where he earned twenty-five
cents a day. After this he was for a time employed in the greenhouse of
Albert Bennett, and then worked for Mr. Singer, a contractor and builder,
and assisted in the construction of his mansion in Wilkinsburg in the early
sixties. He then learned the trade of machinist with William Fisher, owner of
a machine shop in the neighborhood of Sixteenth street, Pittsburg, and in
1873 found employment with the Allegheny Car and Construction Company,
now known as the Union Switch and Signal Company. He entered the employ
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in 1875 as fireman, and four years
later was advanced to the position of engineer, and has held this rank contin-
uously since that time. He is one of the oldest and is considered one of the
most reliable engineers in the service of the company. He began night service
in 1883 and continued at this until 1896, when he was placed on the day serv-
ice. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist church, and he is a stanch
supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of Car-
negie Division, No. 325, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers; and the Vol-
unteer Relief Association. He married, in January, 1877, Hetty May Perma,
daughter of William H. and Margaret Jane (Lutter) Perma, and their
children are : Maggie May, married Carl Smith, a machinist in the employ
of the Westinghouse Company, has children : David Burns and Geraldine
Nichols. 2. Clara Blanche.
JOHN MEYER. The late John Meyer, for more than thirty years a
worthy citizen of Pittsburg, and one of the first employes of the Jones-Laugh-
lin Company, was born February 20, 1831, in Prussia, son of Andrew Meyer,
who was engineer in a rolling mill. He married Catharine Anshutz, and they
became the parents of six children, all of whom remained in Prussia with the
exception of John, mentioned later, and Andrew, who settled in Ohio. The
father and mother of the family died in their native land, the former being
seventy-four years old at the time of his death.
John Meyer, son of Andrew and Catharine (Anshutz) Mever. attended
school until the age of fourteen, and on his eighteenth birthday sailed for the
United States, landing in New York, whence he came to Pittsburg. After a
short sojourn he proceeded to Ohio, but afterward returned to Pittsburg, and
was one of the first nie'n employed in the mills of the Jones-Laughlin Company,
gradually working his way up to the position of roller. The fact that he re-
mained in the service of the company for many years is sufficient evidence
of his ability and faithfulness. In 1882 he opened the saloon now conducted
by his son, Charles Edward Meyer, and was its proprietor for three years, his
death occurring at the end of that time. He was a Democrat in jxilitics and
attended the German Presbyterian church.
Mr. Meyer married, November 21, 1858, on the South Side, Sophia
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 403
Birkelbach, and they established tlieir home in the Twenty-fifth ward, which
was then Uttle better than a swamp, being but sparsely settled. Their children
were: John P., died January, 1889, married Amelia Dietz, three children;
Louisa Henrietta, wife of Frederick Junker, of Pittsburg, one child, C. Albert;
Catharine P., died in infancy ; Charles Andrew, died at four years old ; Albert
Frederick, died at the age of nine ; Frederick William, died aged eleven ; Gus-
tav Adolph, died at five years old ; Charles Edward, of whom later ; Catharine
C. and Elizabeth Amelia (twins), both deceased; Matilda Rebecca, wife of
Lawrence Schmidt, of Newark, Ohio, children. Hilda C. and Lawrence Ed-
ward ; Cecilia A., wife of Joseph P. Powell, lives with J\lrs. Meyer, one child,
James A. ; Andrew L., of Carrick, Pennsylvania, married Emma Schench, chil-
dren, Mildred M. and Edward H. ; and George Ellsworth, of South Side,
married Jennie Miller.
Mr. Aleyer died in the prime of life, passing away in 1885, when but
fifty-four years old. He was widely popular, being a man of genial qualities
as well as upright character, and was sincerely regretted by a large circle of
friends and deeply mourned by his family.
After the death of Mr. Meyer the business was conducted for twenty
years by his widow, who was very successful in her undertaking, and enjoys
the distinction of having been the only woman to whom a license was granted
in Allegheny county during the second year of the Brooks law. Mrs. Meyer
has shown herself to be a very brave, industrious woman, never having lost
heart even in the face of overwhelming disasters. In the early morning of
March 27, 1904, a fire broke out in her dwelling and destroyed everything, but
her courage was equal to the occasion and she was enabled to retrieve her
losses. Mrs. Meyer is a daughter of Philip Birkelbach and a granddaughter
of Daniel Birkelbach, a native of Bavaria, who was a glass-blower. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Landmesser, and both he and his wife died in their native
country.
Philip Birkelbach, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Landmesser) Birkelbach,
was born in 1815, in Bavaria, and learned window-glass blowing. In 1849 he
emigrated to the United States and remained for one year in Manchester, now
a part of Allegheny, but in 1850 moved to Seventy-seventh street, Brownstown.
He was one of the first men employed in the Cunningham glass factory.
Philip Birkelbach married Flenrietta Bonsonville, of French extraction,
and their children were: Sophia, born September 3, 1841, in Bavaria, became
the wife of John Meyer ; Henry, deceased ; Charles, of Pittsburg ; Magdalena,
deceased; Philip, of Pittsburg; Henrietta, wife of Frederick Krause, of Pitts-
burg; Carolina, wife of Charles Weber, of Pittsburg; Amelia, wife of James
Wood, of North Vernon, Indiana; and Elizabeth, wife of Alonzo Brown, of
Pittsburg. Mr. Birkelbach, the father, died in 1859, and his widow survived
until 1892.
Charles Edward Meyer, son of John and Sophia (Birkelbach) Meyer,
was born April 6, 1873, on Twenty-seventh street, South Side, and was a pupil
at the Morris public school until the age of fourteen. He then served a partial
apprenticeship to the saddler's trade, worked for a time in a nail factory and
afterward served as clerk in the grocery of Ferdinand Stephen on the South
Side. He next served as clerk for his widowed mother, and at eighteen be-
came manager of the business. In October, 1905, he purchased the interest
and became proprietor.
404
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Mr. Meyer married, October 14, 1897, Catharine, daughter of George and
Anna K. (Ostine) Schmidt, of Pittsburg.
RICHARD LEWIS was a native of England and at one time a clerk
in the Bank of England. He emigrated to America while still a young man,
shortly pior to the commencement of the war of the Revolution, and when
hostilities began joined the American forces. He served with bravery
throughout the war, as the subjoined certificate, which is now in the possession
of his descendants living in Pittsburg, attests : "I hereby certify that Richard
Lewis enlisted in the First Company of Maryland Troops, in the State of
Maryland, January, 1776, and served as a good, faithful servant under my
command until September, 1779, when he marched as sergeant under the com-
mand of Captain Edward Gale in the company that went to the southward in
1780, and was left there as a recruiting sergeant, in which he was active during
the war. Given under my command this 2d day of August, 1789. — Nath.
Smith, General-Major of Artillery." In compensation for his services Mr.
Lewis received a grant of land (lot No. 1526) in Ohio.
ROBERT H. SWISSHELM, of Wilkinsburg, a leader in the hauling
and express business, was born February 25, 1852, in Penn township, Alle-
gheny county. Pennsylvania, son of John Swisshelm and grandson of John
and Matilda (Swallow) Swisshelm.
John Swisshelm, son of John- and Matilda (Swallow) Swisshelm, was
born August 7, 1820, and learned the blacksmith's trade with William Gray, at
Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. Soon after completing his apprenticeship he
settled on Frankstown Road, or at what is now known as Rodi, establishing:
himself as a blacksmith and wagonmaker. This business he carried on manv
years, finally moving to Patton township, where he purchased a farm and
thereafter combined agriculture with his trade. This farm, which then com-
prised one hundred acres, is still in the possession of the Swisshelm family,
though now reduced to about seventy or eighty acres. Mr. Swisshelm was a
Democrat and a member of the Hebron United Presbyterian church.
He married Jane Hasley, born October 25, 1823, and their children were:
I. Alary, bom November 22, 1845, married Philip Cyphus, children, Alvin J.,
William Dale, Homer Mayer and Delia, wife of Harry Reiter. 2. William
John, born September i, 1847, died May 20, 1852. 3. Eliza Ellen, born Octo-
ber 27, 1849, died November 3, 1849. 4. Thomas, born October 13, 1850, died
April 2, 1851. 5. Robert H., of whom later. 6. Sarah Juniata, born July 2,
1854, married, first, William Gill; second, Andrew Porter. By first marriage,
one daughter, Laura, wife of Vernon Wheeland. 7. Jennie D., born October
12, 1856. 8. Laura B., born March 19, 1859, died February, 1876. 9. Harry
W., born April 19, 1861, married, first, Margaret Long; second, Georgia Wil-
cox. Children by first marriage, Ralph L. and Arminta ; by second marriage,
Robert and Helen, the latter deceased. 10. John M. W., born October 25,
1863, married Ella Hall, children. Homer M., Harrv W., Mabel, wife of
Thomas Shillinger; John M., Eva M., Clara Jane, Virginia E. and Orben. 11.
Eva M., born January 31, 1866, wife of Hamilton Clark, children, Delia G.
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 405
and Lorene. 12. Louella, wife of Alexander Campbell. John Swisshelm, the
father of tliis family, died August 29, 1890, and the mother passed away Au-
gust 27, 1905. "
Robert H. Swisshelm, son of John and Jane (Hasley) Swisshelm, was
reared in Penn and Patton townships, receiving his education in local schools.
Until the age of twenty-nine he worked on his father's farm, and then moved
to a neighboring farm which he rented and cultivated for the next three years.
At the end of that time he removed to Penn township, where he hired another
farm and continued to cultivate the soil for about twelve years longer. In
1891 he came to Wilkinsburg and. engaged in the hauling and express business,
which he has carried on most successfully to the present time. He has con-
stantly in his service nine or more men, with eighteen head of horses. He is
a member of the United Presbyterian church of Wilkinsburg.
Mr. Swisshelm married Mary, daughter of Ely Myers, of Patton township,
and they have become the parents of two children, a daughter and a son:
Laura B. Swisshelm and James IE. Swisshelm.
CHARLES L. JOHNSTON, one of Edgewood's successful business men,
was born October 31, 1851, on Penn avenue, Wilkinsburg, son of George
Johnston, grandson of George R. Johnston, and great-grandson of John John-
ston, who was born in 1745, in Ireland, of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
John Johnston was educated in his native land, and in 1762 emigrated to
the American colonies. He settled first in Harrisburg, Pennsvlvania, where he
was employed in the land office. Upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary war
he joined the American army and was detailed as Washington's private secre-
tary, a position which he filled for many years. In payment for his services
he received a grant of six hundred acres of land in Wilkins township and took
up his abode thereon, being one of the pioneers of Allegheny county, inasmuch
as soon after his arrival in this country he had taken up a tract of land there,
on two quarter sections. The original deed is now in the possession of James
L. Johnston, an uncle of Charles L. Johnston. On the tract of land which he
received from the government in payment for his services John Johnston
erected a dwelling. For some time he was so harrassed by Indians that he
could not occupy it steadily, but during the absence of the savages farmed the
two-mile bottom where Pittsburg now stands. At the time of his death he
held the office of justice of the peace. His political principles were those of
the Whig party. He was an elder in the old Beulah Presbyterian church, to
which he was called as the first pastor.
John Johnston married iSIartha, bom at Carlisle, daughter of William and
Jane Meskimans, who emigrated from Ireland, and their children were : George
R., of whom later; Robert, who never married ; Martha, wife of William Park;
James, who married Mary Hamilton ; and Jane, wife of Frank Gilmer. The
death of John Johnston, the father, occurred in 1810.
George R. Johnston, son of John and Martha (Meskimans) Johnston,
was born August 7, 1798, on the old homestead in Allegheny county, situated
near the old Hebron church. He was reared on the farm, obtaining what edu-
cation he could in the schools of his day. For many years he worked as fire-
inan and engineer on the river steamboats, but later returned to the old farm
4o6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
and there passed the remainder of his life. This farm is still held in the fam-
family name. Like his father, George R. Johnston was a Whig and Repub-
lican, and a member of the Beulah church.
He married Sarah Ann Little, by whom he had the following children:
I. George, of whom later. 2. James L., born October 22, 1832, in Pittsburg,
married Rachel Glenn, daughter of the Rev. James and Martha (McCullough)
Graham. 3. Robert, married Jennie Mclntyre, children, George and Jennie,
both deceased. Robert Johnston served in the Civil war and was wounded at
the battle of the Wilderness, and soon after died in a hospital. 4. David, mar-
ried Susan Terry, one daughter, Laura L., wife of the Rev. Mark A. Rigg.
5. John, never married, served in the Civil war and died in California. 6.
William P., married Emma Terry, deceased, one son, William L. 7. Jonas
R., married Eulalia Stoner, children, Frederick A. and Reed. George R.
Johnston, the father, died in 1886.
George Johnston, son of George R. and Sarah Ann (Little) Johnston,
was born in 1828, on Penn avenue, in Wilkins township, where he was reared
and educated. He learned the plasterer's trade and followed that calling until
he was forty years old, when he entered the service of the Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company, with whom he remained until reaching the age limit, when
he retired on a pension. During the Civil war he served in the City Guard. In
politics he is a Republican, in this respect following in the footsteps of his
ancestors, as he has also done in matters of religion, having always adhered
to the Presbyterian faith.
George Johnston married Margaret, born in 1828, daughter of William
Elder, and they became the parents of the following children : Charles L., of
whom later ; Joseph W., married Mary McDonald, children. Homer and Ray-
mond, the latter deceased; Annie, died in childhood; James, died young; Lida,
deceased ; Harvey, also deceased ; and Margaret, wife of H. D. Moore. Mrs.
Johnston, the mother of the family, died in 1903.
Charles L. Johnston, son of George and Margaret (Elder) Johnston, was
reared in Wilkinsburg, receiving his education in the local public schools and
at Wilkinsburg Academy. During the first thirteen years of his business career
he was employed as clerk in the grocery store of A. Stoner, and during that
period held the office of assistant postmaster. In 1884 he entered the service
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as ticket-seller at the Union Station,
Pittsburg, a position which he held for eight years.
At the end of that time he moved to Edgewood, where he opened a gro-
cery store in a small frame one-story building on the corner of Maple and
Swissvale avenues. In consequence of the rapid increase of his business he
erected the large brick structure in which he now conducts a verv successful
grocery business. In addition to this building he owns considerable valuable
property in the borough. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and the Order of
Unity, and in politics is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the Presby-
terian church.
Mr. Johnston married, in 1880, Catharine, daughter of Samuel Howard,
and the following children have been born to them : Charles Bruce, married
Elizabeth Phillips, one daughter, Catharine ; Joseph, died in childhood ; Albert,
also died in early childhood ; Margaretta, Howard H., Alice, Elmer, Edith,
Russell and Florence.
f
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 407
JESSE M. BARNETT, president and manager of the Wilkinsburg Stair
Company, and a resident of the borough of Wilkinsburg, was bom February
17, 1870, at Trout Creek Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, son of
David Barnett, a native of the same county.
David Barnett served as a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in 1862 and
bearing arms thenceforth throughout the conflict with the exception of some
time 0!> sick leave. He participated in the great battle of Gettysburg, and also
in many others battles as well as in important engagements. He married Mary
McClain, and their children were: Annie, wife of Frank Benson, of Trout
Creek Valley, son of Harris Benson, associate judge of that place, one daugh-
ter. Pearl; Jacob; Jesse M., of whom later; John, of Kansas City, married
and has one son ; Belle, wife of Frank Keith, of Altoona, one son, Kenneth ;
Minnie, wife of Charles Reed, of Huntingdon county; and Isaac, married and
has one daughter, Gladys.
Jesse M. Barnett, son of David and Mary (McClain) Barnett, was reared
in his birthplace, and received his education in the local schools. In 1892 he
went to Wilkinsburg, where he was employed by W. F. Youngk in his planing
mill, here gaining a thorough knowledge of general machine and mill work.
After three years he was made foreman of the mill, remaining ten years in all.
Then, in company with William F. Youngk and Harvey Kiser he organized the
Wilkinsburg Stair Company, their first place of business being situated on Ross
avenue. A year later, in 1904, the company was reorganized, still retaining
the original title, and Mr. Barnett was made president and general manager,
positions which he has since continuously held. The company is now doing a
very large and profitable business in general hardwood work.
In politics j\Ir. Barnett affiliates with the Republican party. He is a
member of Trinity Reformed church and an active worker for its interests.
Mr. Barnett married, in 1893, Hannah Catharine Allshouse. They have no
children. Mrs. Barnett belongs to a family which traces its origin from two
brothers who came to this country from Germany, probably in the eighteenth
century, and settled, one in New Jersey, and the other in the western part of
Pennsylvania. The old German name is Althouse.
Jacob Allshouse, grandfather of Mrs. Barnett, was a man of note in his
day, representing Armstrong county in the state legislature, and serving as
speaker in the house of representatives. He married Fanny Frantz, of an old
Armstrong county family, and their children were : Susan, Samuel, Hannah,
William, Jacob, of whom later ; Ann, Henry and Priscilla.
Jacob Allshouse, son of Jacob and Fanny (Frantz) Allshouse, was born
in 1826, near South Bend, Armstrong county, and lived as a farmer on the old
homestead. He held several local offices, such as school director, director of
the poor and justice of the peace.
He married Caroline, daughter of Henry and (Shomp) Saltsgiver,
and the following children were born to them : Jennie, wife of Newton Brick-
er; George, deceased; Simon B., married Ollie Ringer; Fannie; John, married
Jeannette McCreight ; Hannah Catharine, wife of Jesse M. Barnett; and Sarah.
Jacob Allshouse, the father, died in 1898.
WEISSER — LOW. These allied families trace their ancestry to Ger-
many and France, those lands of thrift, industry and perseverance, which
4o8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
traits seem to have been inherited in no diminished measure by their
descendants.
Matthias Wilhelm, father of Mrs. Catherine (Wilhelm-Low) Weisser,
was born in Alsace Lorraine, then belonging to France, and emigrated to the
United States about the year 1817. He settled first at Warren, Ohio, and from
thence came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death. For
a time he was engaged in the hotel business, and was the proprietor of the
Sun Hotel in Diamond street. He took a deep interest in all matters concern-
ing the land of his adoption, and was active in local political affairs. He was
an earnest and consistent member of the Roman Catholic church, and con-
tributed liberally of his means toward its support and to the various charities
and schools connected with it. The church at which he was an attendant
was at that time situated in Penn avenue, but is now located at the corner of
Fourteenth street and Liberty avenue. He married Magdalena Hook, now
deceased, and they were the parents of eleven children, the names of eight of
whom are as follows: Matthias, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Frances, Mary, Caro-
line, Catherine (see forward), and Josephine.
Catherine (Wilhelm-Low) Weisser, daughter of Matthias and Magda-
lena (Hook) Wilhelm, was born in Diamond street, Pittsburg, March 10,
1838. She attended the Catholic schools of her native city, and her life has
been a very remarkable and useful one. She married, first, April 2, 1855,
C. Henry Low, concerning whom see forward. After the death of Mr. Low
his widow took charge of the conduct of affairs, in which undertaking she was
remarkably successful. She married, second. May 3, 1862, Joachim Weisser,
a merchant of Pittsburg, a sketch of whom will be found below, and the two
stores were consolidated. After the death of Mr. Weisser his widow again
took personal charge of matters, and with the aid of her children the business
was maintained in a most flourishing condition. She took her sons, Harry A.
Low and Charles Weisser, into partnership in 1897, and in 1906 the business
was moved to its present location in one of the finest business blocks in the
city, at Nos. 626 and 636 Liberty avenue, with a frontage on Oliver street.
Although Mrs. Weisser is now seventy years of age she seems to have lost
none of her youthful vigor of either mind or body, and is still the working
head of this large enterprise, which gives employment to a small army of men
and women. It is the largest department store in the western part of Penn-
sylvania, and is patronized daily by thousands of people. Mrs. Weisser has
been a woman of great foresight in all the walks of life. Not only has she
been a most excellent business woman, but also a loving and devoted wife and
mother, paying due attention to the spiritual and bodily welfare of her children
in spite of the manifold demands upon her time, and she has been a kind and
charitable woman in a quiet and unostentatious manner.
C. Henry Low was born in Kirschoffen, Baden, Germany, and died in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1861. His parents died when he was a
young child, but left a considerable amount of wealth, and young Low received
an excellent education in Freiberg, Germany, and became a fine linguist.
His first step in a business career was as salesman for several business houses
in his native country, and he met with success in this field. He came to the
United States in 1855 and made his home in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he
held the position of clerk for Joseph Lang for one year, and then established
himself in business, dealing in dry goods, millinery and notions, and was thus
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 409
occupied until liis death. He was a man of business integrity, and devoted to
his home and family. He was a member of the Roman Catliolic church, at
which he was a devout attendant. He married Catherine W'ilhelm, mentioned
above, and they had children: i. Juhus, educated in parochial schools of
Pittsburg, now a well-known bank cashier at Halstead, Kansas ; married Cath-
erine Cantwell, daughter of Dr. Cantwell, and they are the parents of children :
Richard, Irene, Catherine, Naomi, Virginia and George. 2. Melissa, died at
the age of thirty-eight years; married Peter Hafner, of Pittsburg; has one
son, Harry A. 3. Harry A., see forward.
Harry A. Low, second son and third and youngest child of C. Henry and
Catherine (Wilhelm) Low, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 30.
i860. His earl}- education was obtained in parochial schools of Pittsburg, and
at the Nazareth College in Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated with
honors in the class of 1876. He then took a position in the store which was at
that time managed by his mother and stepfather, and has been associated with
that concern almost continually since that time, becoming a member of the
firm in 1897. The business was reorganized in 1906, at the time of its removal
to its present location, and is now conducted under the firm name of Weisser-
Low Company, with Air. Low as secretary and treasurer. He is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. He is a member of Duquesne
Council. Knights of Columbus, and the Columbus Club. He married, Februarv
9, 1887, Alargaret A. Crocker, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, daughter of
John and Sarah (Hunt) Crocker, and they have one child, Loretta Marion.
Joachim Weisser was torn in Baden-Baden, Germany, and died in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, March 19. 1878. He was educated' in his native land,
where he also learned the trade of watch and clock making. He emigrated
to the L'nited States when he was about twenty-two years of age, and settled
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was employed for a time, and after his
marriage established himself in business in Penn avenue. He was an excellent
man of business, engaged in various other enterprises, and was director and
stockholder in the National Trust Company. His political affiliations were with
the Republican party, and he was a member for some years of the school board.
He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, in whose interests he was an
active worker. He married, first. Frances Hofmyer, by whom there were no
children. He married, second, Catherine (Wilhelm) Low, widow of C. Henry
Low, and they had eight children, three dying in infancy, and one, Clara, at
the age of seventeen. The living children are as follows :
William Weisser, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1865,
obtained his early education in the parochial school of Pittsburg, and later at
■ Pittsburg and DulT's Colleges. He is now head of the office department of
the Weisser-Low Company. In 1901 he married Emma McKee, and they have
one child, Eleanor.
Charles Weisser, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1867, received
his early education in the parochial school of Pittsburg, and later at St. Joseph's
and Mount St. Mary's Colleges. He is now vice-president of the Weisser-Low
Company. He is a member of the Duquesne Council, Knights of Columbus,
and of the Columbus Club. In 1898 he married Mamie O'Neil, and they have
two children : Charles O'Neil and Catherine Elizabeth.
Florence S. Weisser, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1872, ob-
tained his early education in the parochial school of Pittsburg, and later at-
4IO A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
tended St. Joseph's and Mount St. Mary's Colleges. He is now in the electrical
department of the Jones & Laughlin Steel Company in Pittsburg. In 1896 he
married Laura Esty, and they have two children : Clara and Edward.
Edward A. Weisser, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1876,
received his early education in Pittsburg College, Pittsburg, and later attended
]\Iount St. Mary's and Canisius Colleges. He graduated from the medical de-
partment of the University of Pennsylvania in 1898. After post-graduate work-
in Philadelphia hospitals and abroad he returned to Pittsburg,- where he is
practicing as an eye specialist. He is a member of the American Medical Asso-
ciation, Allegheny County Medical Society, staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, St.
Francis Hospital and Rosalia Foundling Asylum. He is a member of the
Knights of Columbus and the Columbus and Bellefield Clubs. Also a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. He married, October
10, 1907, Elizabeth H. Neary, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Neary.
IRWIN .\ND SEMPLE FAMILIES. Miss Mary Pattison Semple,
a descendant of one of the oldest families of the city of Pittsburg, is the
daughter of Eliza Irwin and Alexander Semple. Major John Irwin, her ma-
ternal grandfather, fought throughout the war of the Revolution, coming to
Pittsburg after the war, and settling in the town, principally to take possession
of the many acres of land which were given him as part payment for his serv-
ices to his country. Not an old man in years, he died here early in the
century, a victim to his many wounds. His order book, which he carried in
his breast pocket, bears the marks of several bayonet thrusts, and is greatly
prized by his descendants. His wife, Mary Pattison Irwin, was left behind
to care for her four children, Margaret (Airs. George), John, William and
Eliza (Airs. Semple). This far-sighted woman conceived the idea of a grow-
ing river town needing ropes, and started the rope-making industry. She
gathered together the necessary men and materials, and founded a most lucra-
tive business, soon taking into partnership her son, John, who proved to be a
most enterprising and energetic assistant. Acres in Pittsburg then did not
bring in revenue, but rope-making proved to be the bright idea for the times
when boats commenced to ply up and down our rivers, and all sorts of craft
needed ropes. Under Mrs. Irwin's supervision were made the ropes used in
Perry's victory. This business continued until about thirty years ago, making
fortunes for her son, John Irwin, and his sons, Henry and Tohn.
This John Irwin (II) was the head of his family for many years, a man of
the highest character, of courtly, even military bearing, a gentleman of the
old school, respected and loved by all who knew him, and in whose word all
had implicit faith. In 1828 he was elected burgess of Allegheny, and held
many posts of responsibility, being a director in the Bank oi Pittsburg and
president of the company which built the first bridge between Pittsburg and
.Allegheny. He succeeded his father as a member of the "Society of the Cin-
cinnati." Major Irwin, according to a family tradition, was the first from
the American army to enter Yorktown after its surrender by Cornwallis.
Alexander Semple, the youngest of three brothers, was born in Castle
Dawson, Ireland. The eldest brother, William, settled in Pittsburg, owning at
one time what is now the Arthurs-Sullivan estate, overlooking the Mononga-
hela river, a beauty spot before mills and manufactories came to spoil nature's
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 411
perfect work. The youngest brother, Alexander, drifted to Perth-Amboy,
where he lived many years before coming to Pittsburg. About 1828 he came
west with his belongings, crossing the mountains in his carriage. Here after a
time he and his nephew, Wilham, opened a dry-goods store on Market street.
This short-Hved venture lasted only until William Semple went into the iron
business, a firm later known as Semple & Bissell. Alexander Semple was a
man whose greatest interests were those of the church. An elder for many
vears in Dr. Elisha P. Swift's church in Allegheny, a man of most sympathetic
nature, his presence was sought by the sick and dying of all denominations,
when his prayers seemed to lead them to the very gate of heaven. A friend of
the poor and afflicted, his was a busy and useful life. He was an abolitionist
but did not live long enough to know the grand results of the Civil war, as he
died in 1861.
Miss Mary Pattison Semple, his only daughter, was born on Sandusky
street, Allegheny, where a home was built on property deeded to Eliza Irwin
as part of her government legacies. This mansion has onl}- recently disap-
peared. After her father's death in 1861 Miss Semple went abroad. After
sojourning in Italy one year she and her mother lived in Sewickley until her
mother's death four years later. She then left the large circle of relatives, and
went to live in Boston, where musical advantages (meager at that time in
Pittsburg), and more especially the liberal faith of Unitarianism were the
magnets. James Freeman Clarke found her an eager listener for ten years,
when again she crossed the water. Many years of travel and change have
brought her back to her home-city, where she now finds her heart satisfied
with the faith which she loves, and the music she delights in. Surrounded by
many friends of the past, who as the years travel on, become more necessary,
she still leads a happy, useful life, content with simple pleasures and doing
good as occasion ofifers.
WILLIAM A. WYCOFF, M. D., was born in Bethel township. Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania. February 22. 1874, the son of Rev. Cornelius W.
Wycoff, and grandson of Isaac and Catherine (Frye) Wycoff, born in Jeffer-
son county, Ohio. Rev. Cornelius W. Wycofif married Martha B., daughter
of Alexander and (Margaret) Morrison. By this union were born the fol-
lowing children : ^lary K., Anna M., Harry E., Frank I., and John N., who
died in 1877.
Dr. Wycofif was educated in the public schools and at the Western Penn-
svlvania Medical College and graduated in 1903, after which he served one
vear in the Western Pennsylvania Hospital. In the autumn of 1904 he came
to Homewood and engaged in the general practice of medicine, f olitically he
affiliates with the Republican party and in religious faith is of the Presbyterian
church.
He married. July 11, 1907, Maude J. McMullen, a daughter of Joseph W.
and Olive Mc^Iullen.
JOHN HENRY COOK, of Pittsburg, chief assistant engineer of county
roads, was born August 29, 1851, in Collins township, now the Twenty-first
ward of the city, a son of George Cook, who was born March 14, 1826, in
412 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Germany, and was a graduate of Marburg University. In 1847 l^e came to
Pittsburg, and on April 23, of that year, the Mexican war being then in prog-
ress, enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth Regiment, Captain John F. Perry com-_
manding the company. Mr. Cook served until the close of the war, and in"
July, 1848, received an honorable discharge, after which he returned to Pitts-
burg and engaged in farming. He has always been a Republican and he and
his family are members of the Reformed church.
George Cook married, January i, 1849, Elizabeth Shade, and the follow-
ing children were born to them: Mary M., John Henry, of whom later;
Annie C, wife of John Grant; Lizzie, wife of William Walsh; Susan, who
died in 1895; Georgina, Minnie, wife of S. M. O. Grant; Amelia A., and
William, born in 1869, died in 1899.
John Henry Cook, son of George and Elizabeth (Shade) Cook, received
his literary education in the Episcopal Classical Academy of Pittsburg, grad-
uating in 1876. In 1880 he graduated from the Edinboro State Normal School
in a special mathematical course. For seven years he was an instructor in
schools and is today a leading civil engineer, holding the position of chief
assistant of county roads. He belongs to the Engineers' Society of Western
Pennsylvania, and since 1897 has been secretary of the Frankstown Avenue
Building and Loan Association. He belongs to J. B. Nicholson Lodge, No.
585, I. O. O. F. ; New Liberty Encampment, No. 198, and the A. O. K.
of M. C. He is a member of the Colonial Republican Club and for eight years
served as treasurer of the East End Republican Club.
Mr. Cook married, August 13, 1883, Amy A., daughter of the Rev. James
Grant, and they are the parents of one daughter, Isabel C, born July 29, 1890.
ELISHA H. McANNICH. a well-known resident of Pittsburg. Penn-
sylvania, who has been identified as puddler with the iron and steel industry
for forty-five years, is of Scotch-Irish descent through his father, and of Ger-
man through his mother.
Elisha H. McAnnich, father of the particular subject of this sketch, was
born of Scotch-Irish parentage in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, and was for
many years proprietor of an omnibus line between Birmingham and Pittsburg,
which was extensively patronized. He was also the owner of a hotel at the
soutli end of Monongahela Bridge for several years, which he conducted in a
very profitable and popular manner. He married Martha Clemens, of German
parentage, and they had children :. William, James, served in the Civil war ;
Isabella, married Aaron Robbins ; Elisha H., see forward ; Oliver, who was
killed with two companions at the age of seven years by a rock which crashed
upon the three children from the hillside ; Albert H., also a soldier during the
Civil war ; George, who died in infancy.
Elisha H. McAnnich, third son and fourth child of Elisha H. and Martha
(Clemens) McAnnich, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 9,
1 84 1. He was educated in the public schools of that city, and evinced a strong
inclination for study. He was apprenticed to learn the trade of puddling, and
eventually became the most expert puddler in that section of the state, and
was engaged in this occupation for the long period of forty-five vears, during
a part of which time he was foreman in the puddling department of the Sligo
Steel & Iron Company. He was a most enthusiastic patriot at the outbreak
PITTSBURG JND HER PEOPLE 413
of the Civil war, and at the age of nineteen enhsted for three
months, April 15, 1861, in Company A, Seventh Regiment, Penn-
sylvania \'olunteers, and at the expiration of this time, August 5,
1861. he reenlisted on the same day in Company D, Sixty-third
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Colonel
Alexander Hays, later General Hays. He was discharged August i, 1864,
and although he served in the army three years and three months, he lost
not a single day through illness. He was with his regiment in the numerous
battles in which it participated, and escaped unwounded. He was, however,
a prisoner for three months in Belle Isle, then in Libby prison, from which
he was paroled, and later rejoined his regiment. He was appointed contract
labor inspector in 1892, by President Harrison, and held this office until
Cleveland took the direction of affairs. He was appointed one of the registers
of the Thirty-second ward in 1906, and has taken an active part in labor
matters for forty years. He was a member of the first committee on the
organization of the Amalgamated Iron and Steel Workers, in 1876, and was
the first vice-president of that body, holding that office for one year. His
influence has always been a potent factor in the councils of this body and he
was a delegate to the national conventions of the society for thirteen successive
conventions, as a representative of the Iron City Lodge, No. i, which was the
alma mater of this association. He has served a number of times as a mem-
ber of the committee appointed to meet the manufacturers and arbitrate the
diiiferences which arose between master and man, and always succeeded in
bringing matters to a termination satisfactory to both sides.
In 1867 he was enrolled in the United Sons of Vulcan, the first society of
iron workers in the United States, of which the present fire chief, Miles S.
Humphries, was the president. The order consisted of puddlers only. At the
national convention in 1875 he was made first deputy by President Joseph
Bishop, and it was Mr. McAnnich that presented the resolution admitting the
puddlers' helper to the union, thereby tripling the numerical strength of the
order, and making possible the amalgamation of all iron trades. He repre-
sented the puddlers on the committee to draft constitution and by-laws for the
Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers of the United States,
and was elected first vice-president of the new order, with forty-eight lodges
under his care. On February 25, 1871, he organized the Pioneer Catholic
Temperance Society in Pittsburg, St. Malachi's, of the South Side, and has
rode the cold water wagon for thirty-seven years. He has been a diligent
and intelligent reader and is well posted on all questions of the day. He has
contributed very excellent articles of interest to the labor world, which have
been published in the Labor Tribune and other labor organs. He and his
wife are devout members of the Catholic church.
Mr. McAnnich is endowed with great natural musical talent, which has
been cultivated, and while in the army he served for a time as chief bugler.
He was the leader of the Great Eastern Band of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, for
five years, and has been at various times associated with bands and musicians
of national reputation. He married, January 5, 1865, Catherine Bracken,
daughter of George Bracken. They have had no children of their own, but
their large hearts foimd room for six orphans, whom they adopted in the
course of time. The first to be taken into their hearts and home were Michael,
Frank and Ellsworth Lawlor, whom they reared to a useful manhood, Frank
414 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
taking the name of his foster parents. They then adopted, at various times,
Katie Forsyth, Margaret Craig and AdeHne Gower, the father of the latter
having been killed by tramps. Mr. ]\IcAninch joined April 4, 1902, and is
now serving his second term as commander of Post No. 155, Grand Army of
the Republic.
Mr. McAnnich is a born caterer : his experience dates back into the early
fifties, his birth-place the famous old stone tavern situated at the south end
of the Smithfield street bridge, Pittsburg. In every city there are men whose
sterling traits win for them the respect of the whole community. Mr. Mc-
Annich is public-spirited and foremost in the advancement of any project
which has the interests of the Smoky City at heart, and he well deserves the
position he holds as general superintendent of the Columbus Club, Pittsburg.
HENRY KREILING, head of the firm of Henry Kreiling & Sons, lead-
ers in the meat and poultry commerce of Pittsburg, was born June 22, 1846,
in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, a son of John Kreiling. His father was a
farmer of Hesse-Darmstadt and the owner of a very large estate. He was
a member of the Lutheran church and a man of influence in the community.
His age, at the lime of his death, was ninety-six, his wife having expired when
about seventy years old.
John Kreiling was born in 1802', in Hesse-Darmstadt, and, like his father,
followed the calling of a farmer, and was identified with the Lutheran church.
He was an honest, worthy man, who commanded the respect of all.
John Kreiling married Anna Margaret Kroeck, of a family many mem-
bers of which were prominent in educational affairs in their native country.
The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kreiling: i. Elizabeth,
died in 1904, widow of Conrad Atzbach, who died in 1900. They ,were always
residents of Gesson, Germany, where they reared a family. 2. Jacob, a
farmer, died at the age of fifty-one. He married and was the father of a
family, his sons being men of prominence in their native town in Germany. 3.
Lewis, who came in 1854 to the United States, and has ever since been a
resident of Allegheny. He learned the butcher's business in his native land,
and for many years was engaged in it in this country, but has now retired.
He married and has three sons: Charles, of Wilkinsburg; Edward, of Ohio ;
and William, of Allegheny. 4. Anna Margaret, wife of Conrad Detrich, of
Allegheny, children, Tillie, Albert, Anna, and Edward, deceased. 5. John,
died about 1897, a blacksmith, and during the Civil war in the service of the
government. He married and had three children. 6, 7 and 8 died young. 9.
Henry, of whom later.
John Kreiling, the father of the family, died in 1850, in his native place,
and his widow married Ludwick Kroeck (no relation), by whom she had one
child, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kroeck came to the United States
with the latter's son, Lewis, who had returned to Germany to settle his
father's estate. The younger children of Mrs. Kroeck accompanied them and
the family settled in Allegheny City.
Henry Kreiling, son of John and Anna Margaret (Kroeck) Kreiling, at-
tended the schools of his native place and was confirmed in the Lutheran
church. While still a boy he assisted his father on the farm. He w^as four-
teen when the family came to the United States, and was at first employed by
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 415
his brother Lewis, with whom he learned the butcher's business and at which
he afterward worked, both for his brother and for other employers. During
the Civil war he wished to enlist, but being under age, entered the service of
the government as driver of an ammunition wagon, a position which he held
for about six months in 1864. In September, 1865, he engaged in business
for himself, opening a meat market at the corner of Webster and Seventh
avenues, where he carried on a flourishing trade for four years, after which
he succeeded his brother-in-law, Conrad Deitrich, in the Diamond. In 1879
he established the firm of Kreiling, Ochenhart & Company, their place of busi-
ness being on the corner of Fifth and Liberty avenues, and later returned to
Market street, where he carried on business alone until 1898. In November
of that year he moved the business to the East Liberty Market-House, where
he is now with his sons, the firm having been known since 1904 as Henry
Kreiling & Sons Company, incorporated. They are the largest dealers in the
East End, handling both meat and poultry, and having one of the most modern
and thoroughly equipped stands in western Pennsylvania. Mr. Kreiling is
interested in other enterprises, including the Metallic Packing Company.
Until 1897 he was a resident of the Tenth ward of Allegheny, moving
thence to Pittsburg, where he purchased property in the Twentieth ward, on
which he made his home until April, 1907. He then bought and has since
occupied his present residence on Bartlett street, in the Twenty-second ward.
In 1871-1872 he served as road commissioner for the North End district of
Allegheny borougli, and in 1872 was elected to the common council, serving
two terms. In 1880 he was chosen a member of the select council and served
three terms, being reelected in 1892 to serve two years. He belongs to Du-
quesne Lodge No. 546, F. and A. M., the Consistory and Syria Temple of the
Mystic Shrine. His interest in politics is active, and he supports to the utmost
of his power the men and measures advocated by the Republican party. He is
a member of the Collins Avenue German Lutheran church.
j\lr. Kreiling married, April 14, 1868, Elizabeth, born in 1850, in Pitts-
burg, daughter of Conrad Seim, and they have been the parents of the fol-
lowing children: i. William J., born in December, 1868, died aged twenty-
three years and eight months. 2. John C, born in 1871, died at the age of
seventeen. 3. Emma F., born in 1873. 4. Henry G., bom in July, 1876, a
member of the firm of Henry Kreiling & Sons, and belongs to Duquesne
Lodge, Chapter, Consistory and Shrine. He married Ethel Miller, no issue.
5. Albert E., born in 187S, a member of the firm, and belongs to the same
^lasonic orders as his father and brother. He married Virginia Fabler, of
Baltimore, Maryland, no issue. 6. Tillie. 7. Stella. All the daughters of the
family are at home with their parents.
ROBERT McMillan, who has attained a position of prominence in
financial, commercial and social circles in the city of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,
owes this to his own unaided efforts, ambition and determination to succeed.
He is a native of this country, and of Irish descent.
Robert McMillan, father of Robert McMillan, was born in Ireland in
1832. He emigrated to the United States in 1848, settling in Pittsburg, and
for twenty-five years was engaged in business as a drayman. He then turned
his attention to agricultural pursuits, with which he is still occupied ver\- sue-
4i6 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
cessfullv in Favette county, Pennsylvania. He married Lucy ]\litchell, daugh-
ter of John Mitchell, of county Tyrone. Ireland, and had children : Robert,
see forward; Alexander, Annie, who died in Xovember, igoo; Margaret,
William Matthew, John and Edward. ]\Irs. McMillan died June 5, 1Q05.
Robert 3.IcAIil"lan. eldest child of Robert and Lucy (Mitchell) McMillan,
was born in Stewartstown, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, August 2'6, 1S54.
The family moved to Pittsburg in 1863, and he received his education in the
public schools of his district. He has been associated v/ith the United States
Steel Corporation for twenty years, where his efficient services are duly appre-
ciated. He is one of the directors of the Homewood Building and Loan Asso-
ciation. He has been actively identified with educational matter.s for a number
of years, has been a member of the school board of Homewood for fifteen
vears, and a member of the central board of education for six years. He is
vice-president of the board of trustees of the Homewood Avenue Methodist
Episcopal church, and for many years has been closely identified with the
Republican partv, and has given that body his active support. His counsel
is highlv valued in these various lines of endeavor and he is esteemed by the
entire community.
He married Sarah Wason, daughter of John and Mary ( Weldon) Wason,
and had children: Clifi^ord W., born in i8go; Annie F., born in May, 1893;
Sadie E., born in August, 1896; George M., born in August, 1898; and Rob-
ert H., born June 15, 1887, died November 25, 1891.
THE AHvEN FAMILY. The first members of the Aiken family of
which this notice will treat — the Pittsburg line — were David and George
Aiken, brothers, both natives of county Antrim, Ireland. David came to this
country prior to 1814, and some years before his brother came. He settled
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, purchasing land which he cleared from heavy
timber, which at that day was of little value, but his descendants are now reap-
ing the benefits of his wise selection, as well as the years of hard toil he spent
in subduing this land from the forest state. This land is situated in what is
now known as between Fifth avenue and the Pennsylvania railroad, from
Neville to Aiken avenues. He married Rachel Castleman in Pittsburg, and
they were the parents of one child, Rachel, who married her cousin, Thomas
Aiken, son of George Aiken, one of the two brothers who first settled in
America.
(HI) David Aiken, Jr., only child of Thomas and Rachel Aiken, was
born October 15, 1833, in Pittsburg, and died Mayio, 1889. He married, in
1856, at Torrance Station, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Carolyn A. Jones,
daughter of Rees and Katherine (Humbert) Jones. He was a native of Phil-
adelphia, born in 1776, and died in Pittsburg in 1850 in his seventy-fifth year.
His wife died aged ninety-eight and one-half years of age, the date of her
birth being 1799. David and Carolyn (Jones) Aiken had ten children, as fol-
lows: I. Katherine Jones, who married Judge J. H. Reed, and their children
are — David Aiken, James H., Jr., and Catherine J. 2. David Castleman, now
a resident of California, married Eftye Hester ; no issue. 3. Caroline Jones,
died aged seven months. 4. Rachel Castleman, unmarried. 5. Thomas Clar-
ence, died aged fourteen months. 6. Clara Bell, unmarried. 7. Florence
Louisa, married William W. Smith. 8. Paul Jones, died aged seven years. 9.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 417
James King, died aged fifteen years. 10. Grace Christina, unmarried.
David Aiken, Jr., who was a grandson on his mother's side of David
Aiken, was born and educated in Pittsburg, and after reaching man's estate
followed farming for a short time, and in 1863 and 1864 built the house on
Amberson street where his family now resides. W'lien he erected this house
there were but few buildings in the vicinity. In 1869, with his father, Thomas
Aiken, they formed the firm of Aiken & Company, which was engaged in
slate roofing. He soon became active in public affairs and was elected treas-
urer of the county, serving some eight years. He was also a member of the
select council for many years, and its president for several years. In political
and social functions he was a man of great influence and highly esteemed. He
was trustee and treasurer of the Shady Side Presbyterian church from its
organization until his death, and was always active in church work.
(I) George Aiken, brother of David Aiken (i ), one of the two brothers
who first came to America, was born in 1777, and died in Pittsburg December
8, 1845. He settled with his family in Pittsburg in 1814, and purchased a
place which was heavily timbered ; this he cleared and made many valuable
improvements, and there followed farming the remainder of his davs. His
farm has been cut up and streets laid out and today is one of the most fash-
ionable thoroughfares of Greater Pittsburg. The farm named is located
between what is now Ellsworth avenue and the Roup property. He married,
in Ireland, his native country, Sarah Thompson, who died in Pittsburg -De-
cember 6, 1844, aged fifty-seven years. Their nine children, three of whom
were born in Ireland, are as follows: i. David, born November i, 1806. 2.
Mary Ann, born May 19, 1809. 3. Nancy, born August 31, 181 1. 4. Thomas,
born December 21, 1814. 5. Castleman, born January 5, 1818. 6. Sarah,
born May 11, 182 1. 7. George, born February 25, 1828. 8. Rachel, born
May 15, 1830. 9. Margaret, born June 21, 1832.
(II) David Aiken, son of George and Sarah (Thompson) Aiken, was
born in Ireland November i, 1806, and came to America with his father at
the age of eight years, in 1814. He received a common school education at
Pittsburg and when aged fourteen years commenced to work at the carpenter's
trade, which he learned well, and later formed a partnership with Thomas
Aiken and Joseph Graham, operating under the name of Aiken & Graham.
They conducted a planing mill at East Liberty, on Alill Lane, now Collins
avenue. They also followed contracting and building. Thomas Aiken later
withdrew from the firm and David Aiken and Mr. Graham continued the
business under the same name for several years longer. They were a suc-
cessful firm and erected many of the residences and business blocks in the
East End, Pittsburg. David Aiken continued in business up to his death,
which occurred October 12, 1874. He was an active member of the East
Liberty Presbyterian church for many years and very active in all that tended
to build up and better the community.
He married, jSIay 7, 1840, Mary Elliott Noble, born June 2, 18 10, and died
September 20, 1895. She was the daughter of Colonel Henry and PoHy (El-
liott) Noble. Mr. and Mrs. David Aiken had ten children born to them, six
of whom died in infancy ; four lived to mature years and two are living and
unmarried, Sarah Elliott and Agnes S. Aiken.
(II) Thomas Aiken, fourth child and second son of George and Sarah
(Thompson) Aiken (i), was born in Pittsburg, December 21, 1814. He was
4i8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
reared on his father's farm, before mentioned, and obtained a common school
education in East Liberty. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and was
well known as a master workman at that trade. He was an architect and
builder, doing much contract work, and furnished plans and specifications to
others. He erected many of the old-time mansions in East Liberty, and was
instrumental in directing and establishing the Liberty School, being one of its
directors. In 1869 he established the firm of Aiken & Company, who then
carried on the slate roofing business. This was tlie origin of the present ex-
tensive roofing concern of Aiken & Company, the same having been handed
down from father to son and grandson, the latter now operating the business.
It has been successful from the start, and has grown from exclusive slate roof-
ing to the manufacture of mantles, tiles, fire-places, gas and electric fixtures,
etc. It is now (1907) one of the largest plants of its kind in Pennsylvania.
When the business was first established David Aiken, Jr., his eldest son, was
his partner.
Mr. Aiken was one of the founders of Shady Side Presbyterian church,
being one of the elders and closely identified with the work of this church
all of his life. Like many of its sister organizations, the Shady Side Presby-
terian church had its origin in the Sabbath-school. In the spring of i860
Thomas Aiken and W. B. Negley, both members, and the former a ruling
elder of the First Presbyterian church of East Liberty, who resided at Shady
Side, conceived the idea of organizing a Sabbath-school under the auspices of
their church. The}' canvassed the matter and found that about fourteen
families of the neighborhood, most of whom had children who did not attend
any Sabbath-school, so after due consideration they announced, through the
medium of the day school, that they would open a Sabbath-school in the public
school l)uilding on Aiken Lane, now avenue, on Sabbath, April 29, A, D.,
i860, at four o'clock in the afternoon. They were present at the time ap-
pointed, with their wives as associates, and they met with about forty children.
Mr. Aiken acted as superintendent, and from that time on up to his death
Thomas Aiken was a liberal supporter, both in labor and money. From this
beginning the First Shady Side church has reached its present high standing
as a church of God. Mr. Aiken served as Sabbath-school superintendent from
i860 to 1867. He was one of the founders of that church and an elder from
its inception in 1867 to his death, June 5, 1873.
Mr. Aiken acquired a tract of land in the forest, at one time owned by
Rachel Castleman Aiken, and later by her only heir, David Aiken, Jr., located
between what is now Amberson street and Aiken avenue, and between the
Pennsylvania Railroad and Fifth avenue. Here he made him a good farm antl
called the place "Shady Side," which name probably appealed to him on ac-
count of the heavy forest. When the Pennsylvania Railroad was built through
they located a station in that neighborhood, and out of compliment to Mr.
Aiken the company named it Shady Side Station, and still later, when that
part of his farm was platted into town lots, the district became known as Shadv
Side. Aiken's Lane, as it was originally called, is now Aiken avenue, the farm
lane having with the passing years become a popular avenue.
Mr. Aiken was twice married, first to Rachel Castleman Aiken, his cousin,
daughter of David Aiken (r), and wife, Rachel Castleman Aiken. By this
union was born one child. David Aiken, Jr., before mentioned. For his second
wife Thomas Aiken married Miss Eliza Jane McKee, of Wilkinsburg, Penn-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 419
sylvaiiia. By this marriage he had nine children, five sons and four daughters,
all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. The three surviving are :
Roger W"., ]\lary Aiken, Maud L., now Mrs. D. L. Wright. David Leland
Wright was born in Pittsburg, August 27, 1867, son of Captain Edward S.
Wright, of Allegheny City. (See his sketch.) David Leland was reared and
educated in Allegheny City and studied architecture with E. M. Butz, and is
now in the employ, at his profession, with the well-known firm of architects,
Palmer & Hornbostel. of New York, who have a branch office in Pittsburg.
He is a member of Shady Side Presbyterian church and in his political views
is a Republican. He married Miss Maud L. Aiken December 8, 1896, and
they have one child, Jane Wright.
The names of the children of Thomas Aiken and wife, Eliza J. (McKee)
Aiken, in the order in which they were born, are as follows: i. Edward M.,
born 1846, see his sketch herewith. 2. Sarah Jane, born October 17, 1848.
married William M. Burchfield,.and died November 8, 1871. 3. James Elliott,
born January g. 185 1, died February 13, 1899, no issue. 4. Roger W., born
June 14, 1853, of whom later mention is made. 5. Thomas S., born February
15, 1856. died July II, 1891, mentioned at length elsewhere in this notice. 6.
George Thompson, born April 11, 1858, died September 6, 1889; married Har-
riet B. Young, by whom one child was born, Jeannette C, now deceased. 7.
]\Iary, born December 27, i860. 8. Annie N., born May 24, 1863, died Jan-
uary 30, 1885. unmarried. 9. Maud L., born February 24, 1866. The father,
Thomas Aiken, died June 5, 1873, and his second wife died May 12, 1892.
Edward McKee Aiken, son of Thomas and Eliza (McKee) Aiken, was
born July 15, 1846, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and died April 9, 1905. He
was educated in the Pittsburg schools and when he had reached his maturity
entered the employ of A. M. Byers & Company, iron manufacturers, where he
remained several years and then joined his father, in the slate roofing business,
which business he conducted after his father's death, being instrumental in
building it up to its large proportions, adding the various branches it now ope-
rates under. After his father's death he had the farm platted into town lots
and made many valuable improvements, including the erection of manv resi-
dences. When he began the streets were all unpaved and much of the present
beauty of the locality has been due to his efforts. He was closely connected
with the Shady Side Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder at the time
of his death, having served from 1873 to 1905. He married Harriett Jane
Lewis, a native of Ebensburg, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, born August
16, 1847, a daughter of Dr. David ^V. and Maria (Thompson) Lewis, and
granddaughter of Rev. David and Harriett (Bullock) Lewis, who came from
England to Lewisville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he preached some
years. His son, Dr. David Lewis, attended common schools and studied medi-
cine with Dr. Gross, of Indiana county ; later he attended a medical college in
New York and in 1859 came to Pittsburg, settling, and practiced with Dr.
Gross until his death in 1873. He married Maria Thompson, a native of
Derry, \\'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania; she died in 1864, aged forty-one
years. Of their three children, only one survives, Mrs. Harriett Jane, widow
of Edward McKee Aiken.
Edward McKee Aiken and wife had two children. Herman Lewis and
Lida McKee Aiken, born September 21, 1871, and married Nathan A. Weed.
(IV) Herman Lewis Aiken, son of Edward McKee and Harriet Jane
420 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
\.
(Lewis) Aiken, was born July 28, 1869, and received his education at the
Pittsburg schools, and attended the Western University of Pennsylvania, after
which he entered the employ of Aiken & Company, later becoming a member
of the firm. Like all the Aiken family, Herman L. is a supporter of the Re-
publican party, and in church affiliations is connected with the Shady Side
Presbyterian church. He now controls and manages the business his father
so successfully conducted for so many years, and which was established by
his grandfather, Thomas Aiken, and his son, David Aiken, Jr.
Mr. Aiken was married to Lulu J. Connell, born near Clinton, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Mary (Dufi') Connell. Their
four children, all natives of Pittsburg, are : John Connell, Harriet Lewis,
Edward McKee and Herman Lewis, Jr.
(HI) Roger W. Aiken, son of Thomas and Eliza J. (McKee) Aiken,
was born June 14, 1853, in East Liberty, Pennsylvania, where he obtained
his education in the little brick school house on Aiken avenue. He learned the
carpenter's trade of William McKee in East Liberty, and followed this a short
time, when he engaged in the grocery business with his brother, George T.,
under the name of R. W. Aiken & Brother. Their place of business was lo-
cated at the corner of Walnut and Filbert streets. After a few years his
brother withdrew and Mr. Aiken continued alone for twenty years, when he
became a bookkeeper for a plumbing establishment, serving for eight years,
but in 1905 formed the firm of the Berger-Aiken Coal Company, which was in-
corporated that year. Mr. Aiken is the secretary and treasurer of the com-
pany, which is still operating successfully. He has been a member, since its
formation, of the Shady Side Presbyterian church, and has been connected
with the Sabbath-school which his father founded for the same church. In
politics he is a Republican.
On December 27, 1881, in the First Presbyterian church. Wood street,
Pittsburg, he was united in marriage to Mary Zillah Rees, daughter of Thomas
and Margaret (Miller) Rees. By this union the issue is two children, both
born in Pittsburg — Mildred Lewis and Margaret Rees.
(HI) Thomas S. Aiken, son of Thomas and Eliza J. (McKee) Aiken,
Ixirn February 15, 1856, was educated at the Pittsburg public schools, and for
some years prior to his marriage was connected with the Pittsburg postoffice,
but later joined his father and brother as a member of the firm of Aiken &
Company, where he continued until his death July 11, 1891. Politically he was
a Republican. He was a member of the Shady Side Presbyterian church, and
a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married Emma S. Young, daughter
of Robert A. and Harriet E. (Carpenter) Young. She is still living. The
children born of this union are : Thomas Negley, Harriet Carpenter, Marion
Louise and Ruth Thompson.
CAPTAIN EDWARD S. WRIGHT, born at Dudley, England. Decem-
ber 5, 1829, came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, over sixty years ago. In "Walks
in the Black Country and Its Green Borderland" (1868), written by Elihu
Burritt, "the learned blacksmith," then United States consul at Birmingham,
there is a lengthy sketch of the Wright family, not otherwise readily available,
from which we quote :
"As nearly every one of the towns and villages in the district is carrying
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 421
on the iron and coal business in common with all the others, each is. neverthe-
less, disting-uished by some special branch of manufacture. Perhaps the dis-
tinctive specialty of Dudley is Wright's anvil and vise factory. This business
has been carried on by the Wright family for two hundred years. They prob-
ably have sent more anvils to the United States within this period than all the
other English makers put together, and there are few blacksmiths' shops in
America in which their name is not well known."
Peter Wright, then the head of the house, was the inventor and patentee
of the solid anvil, made of one piece of iron. Prior to this invention the dif-
ferent parts were made separately and then welded together. Another inven-
tion of his was the solid box vise, in which the worm or thread is cut by ma-
chinery. Both were valuable improvements, from which the inventor derived
large profits.
Peter Wright was a brother of John Wright, who settled in Allegheny in
1832, and in his shon there manufactured vises and other blacksmithing tools,
wherein he had become skillful in earlv life. He removed to Pittsburg in 1843,
and again opened his shop. John and Margaret (Davies) Wright had a large
family, but all died before middle life but one son. John Wright died in 1888,
in his eig-hty-ninth year. His son, Thomas Alfred Wright, now resides in the
Isle of Wight, England, where he has attained great prominence and is highly
esteemed.
The subject of this sketch, a nephew of both the brothers just named,
worked in his uncle's shop in Pittsburg for a short time, and then went into a
large grocery store as junior clerk. Later he became associated with different
newspapers in a clerical capacity, including the Pittsburg Gazette, with which
paper he remained four years as chief clerk. In 1855 he was elected water
assessor for the city, and at the breaking out of the Civil war was filling that
position. He became interested in the organization of the' Sixty-second Regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he commanded a company, serving
in the field until the close of the Peninsular campaign in Virginia, when, on ac-
count of malarial fever, he was sent to a hospital in Washington City. Upon
his partial recovery he was assigned to detached duty, and succeeded Colonel
Charles T. Campbell as military provost marshal for Pittsburg and the terri-
tory west of the mountains. Later, upon the formation of the Department of
the Monongahela, he was appointed provost marshal of that department ; subse-
quently it was merged into the department of the Susquehanna. The duties
were somewhat changed, and he was in addition placed in command of the post
of Pittsburg. In July, 1864, he was mustered out of serv'ice with the command
from which he had been detached, and at once engaged in active business,
going into the oil business, and later became president of the Pittsburg Glass
Manufacturing Company. He was a member of the common council in 1866
and in 1867, and again became water assessor. In the month of February,
1869, he was elected warden of the Western Penitentiarv of Pennsylvania, in
which capacity he continued until January, 1902 (thirty-three years in succes-
sion), when he retired on account of failing health.
Captain Wright is a thirty-second degree mason, a member of Lodge No.
45 for over fifty years, president of the Masonic Veteran Association in 189 1,
and has been otherwise very active in the order. He is also a member of the
Ixiyal Legion and the Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter
422 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
members of the National Prison Association, organized in 1870, of which he
was president in 1900.
He was twice married, first to Sarah Flanegin, daughter of Francis C.
Flanegin, a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, who was the first district
attorney of Allegheny county. By this marriage union eight children were
born, of whom four are now living: i. George F., married to Mary Emma
Straw, and their six children are : Edward S., Mary L., Margaret Elsie, Annie
A., Sarah and Losey. George F., the father, was for some years president of
the Iron City National Bank, and is now auditor of the Bank of Pittsburg. 2.
Frances S., wife of B. G. Follansbee. 3. David Leland, who married Maud L.
Aiken, daughter of Thomas Aiken; they have one daughter, Jane (see Aiken
family history). 4. Mary Losey, wife of Dr. David C. Boyce, of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, whose issue is Joseph C. In 1892 Mrs. Wright died, aged sixty-
three years. Captain Wright married, second, in 1895, Annie Wilson, a native
of Pittsburg.
As business man, citizen, soldier and state official, and as warden for a
third of a century, Captain Wright's record is indeed one of which his family
and the entire commonwealth may well have a just pride in referring to.
WILLIAM H. NEVERGOLD, who formerly held the position of a
"roller" in the Pittsburgh Steel Works, was born September 20, 1864, son of
John and Ann (Borrett) Nevergold. The father was born in Etna, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1840, and followed rolling for his livelihood. He married Ann Bornett,
and they are the parents of the following children: i. Bella, born June 2,
1862, married D. W. Frazee. 2. William H., the subject, of whom later. 3.
Emma, born in March, 1867, married Hays Smith. 4. Nellie, born December
15, 1871, died in 1889. John Nevergold, the father, died October 21, 1900, and
the mother September 17, 1876.
After receiving a common school education, William H. Nevergold was
employed at the Steel Works in Pittsburg as a "roller," which occupation he
still followed until November i. 1907, when he went to work as roller at the
LaBelle Iron Works of Steubenville, Ohio. Politically he affiliates with the
Republican party. He is connected with the following civic societies : The
Odd Fellows, No. 32; the Knights of Pythias, No. 392; Knights of Malta;
True Will Council of the Heptasophs, No. 153; and the National Union.
Mr. Nevergold was united in marriage to Miss Katharine, daughter of
Mathew M. Gemmell.
FRANK W. HARTMANN, who has been since early youth associated
with his father in the dairy business in Pittsburg, was born in that city July
31, 1856. Jacob Hartmann, who was born in 1830, in Germany, in 1847 ^"li"
grated to the United States, and has been for the last fifty years actively and
successfully engaged in the dairy business.
Jacob Hartmann has been twice married. His first wife was Mary
Nunmacker, who bore him two sons, Thomas and Frank W., of whom later,
and one daughter, Katherine. Mrs. Hartmann died in 1862, and Mr. Hartmann
subsequently married Christiana Walker, by whom he became the father of
two more sons, Christian W.. whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work,
and George J. The mother of these sons died March 17, 1885.
1
1
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE , 423
Frank W. Hartmann, son of Jacob and Mary (Nunmacker) Hartmann,
received his education in the pubhc schools of Pittsburg, and is now the asso-
ciate of his father in the latter's business. Their dairy is in all respects a model
one and their patronage in proportion to their merit. For a number of terms
Frank W. Hartmann has served as inspector of election. He is a charter mem-
ber of Duquesne Lodge, No. 546, and also of Duquesne Commandery.
Politically he is a Republican.
]\Ir. Hartmann married Anna Fundis, who bore him one son, William
J. Hartmann. She then died in 1885, and he afterward married Annie, daugh-
ter of Frederick Shurr. His children by this marriage are : Lulia, born in
1889, and Franklin J., born in 1895.
GEORGE CHASE PRICHARD, of Knoxville, manager for the Gripling
Company, was born ]\Iay 5, 1865, in Pittsburg, and attended school until the
age of fourteen. He then entered the glass works of the Gripling Company,
where he was employed five years, after which he learned the moulder's trade,
which he followed for four years. At the end of that time he returned to the
service of the Gripling Company, with whom he has now for sixteen years held
the position of manager. Politically he is a Republican, his first vote having
been cast for the second President Harrison. He is a member of the Fourth
Avenue Baptist church.
Mr. Prichard married Jessie M. Brown, and they are the parents of two
children: Jessie Mearl, born April 18, igoo, and Grace, born September 25,
1903. The elder of these children is attending school.
Mrs. Prichard is a daughter of David Brown, who was born December i.
1845, in Newark, Ohio, and received a good education. In August, 1861, he
enlisted in the Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three
years, participating in the battles of Carnafix Ferry, West \'irginia. Second
Bull Run, South Mountain. Antietam, Cloyd's Mountain and Lynchburg. On
returning home he worked for three years in a rolling mill in Ohio, and coming
to Pittsburg engaged in the lumber business, retiring in 1904. His political
principles are those of the Republican party and his first vote was cast for
Grant. He is a member of the Baptist church of Allegheny.
Mr. Brown married Mary Albert, of Hollida}sburg, born August 15. 1845.
and their children are: Jessie ^L, born March 4, 1874, in Pittsburg, wife of
George Chase Prichard: Jessie Mame, born August 29, 1879, graduate of
Allegheny high school, and now teaching in Allegheny : and Myrtle, born
September 27, 188 1, graduated in 1899 from Pittsburg schools, and is now a
teacher in Knoxville.
GEORGE IRWIN STAHL, professor in the Commercial Department
of the Pittsburg High School, was born December 27, 1848, in Chapman
township, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, son of Simon Stahl, who was born
in the same township and was of German ancestry, as the family name
plainly denotes. Simon Stahl received a limited education, and in youth was
employed by his father at farming, later learning the shoemaker's trade, at
which he worked in the winters, occupying his summers in boating. In
politics he adhered to the policies of the Whig party. He and his wife were
members of the German Lutheran church.
424 , A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Simon Stahl married Margaret, daughter of George Schaffer, a farmer
of Snyder county, and they became the parents of two sons : Adam Durell,
born March 22, 1846; and George Irwin, of whom later. Adam Durell Stahl,
the elder of these two sons, received a good education, and when eighteen
years old enlisted in the Union army, being promoted from private to captain.
He served until the close of the war and then moved to Lyon county, Kansas,
where he engaged in mercantile business, also dealing in cattle. For a
number of years he was connected with the office of clerk of courts, and twice
served as treasurer of the county. He married Miss Laura Harris, and died
June 17, 1906.
Simon Stahl, the father, died in May, 1849, and his widow married
Stephen Templin, a native of Dauphin county, and a tailor, following his
trade in the winters and during the summers engaging in boating. He also
served in the army. Mr. and Mrs. Templin had the following children :
Sarah Jane, who died in youth; Violinda Matilda, who died in infancy;
John William, of Akron, Ohio ; and Charles Davis, of the same place.
George Irwin Stahl, son of Simon and Margaret (Schaffer), Stahl
received his early education in the public schools of his native county, and
during the war was placed in the care of the family of Colonel Wagenseller,
of Selins Grove, who sent him to Missionary Institute, now Susquehanna
University, where he took an academic course. At the age of eighteen he
became a clerk in mercantile business, serving three years, after which he
was for one year engaged in teaching at No. 4, Point township, Northumber-
land county. He also taught one year at Hummel's Wharf, Snvder county,
going at the end of that time to Akron, Ohio, where he devoted another year
to mercantile business. In 1871 he returned to Snyder county and until 1873
carried on business in partnership with A. H. Bowersox, at Beaverton, after-
ward taking charge of a school until 1875. In that year he came to Pitts-
burg and took a commercial course at Duff's College. After graduating he
was elected, in September, 1875, to a position in the department in which he
is now a professor. For twenty-five years he has made his home in Knox-
ville borough.
For twenty years he held the office of assessor and for eighteen vears
has served as clerk of the Ijorough. In politics he is a strong Republican. He
is a member of the Lutheran church of Knoxville, in which for twelve years
he has held the offices of treasurer and secretary, and in which he has" also
served as superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Professor Stahl married Clara E. Fertig, and they are the parents of the
following children: Mary Mabel, died in infancy ;' Florence Bertha, born
November 6, 1881, is a graduate of the High School and of the Philadelphia
Cooking School, and now a teacher in Minersville schools, living at home ;
Herbert Deruell, born April 8, 1884, and a graduate of the High School, i.s
now with the purchasing department of the Carnegie Steel Company, and
lives at home; George Howard, born October 8, 1889, died July 6," 1890;
and Arthur Fertig, born September 19, 1891, is at school in Knoxville.
Mrs. Stahl is a daughter of Solomon Fertig, who was all his life a
farmer in Dauphin county. He married Rebecca Enterline, and their children
were: John, William H., Ida N., Estella, and Clara E., born November 12,
1855, the wife of George Irwin Stahl.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 425
MARSHALL D. IMcWHINNEY. prominently identified with the real
estate interests of Wilkinshurg, Pennsylvania, and residing at Pennsylvania
and Hutchinson avenues, Edgewood, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, traces
his descent to an honored family of Ireland.
Matthew McWhinney, father of Marshall D. ]\IcWhinney, was born in
county Derry, Ireland, July 12, 1815. He was one of four children, the others
being: George, deceased; William, who died unmarried; and Margaret, also
deceased, who was the wife of William J. McLean, and had children : Wilson,
EHzabeth, Birdie, Etta, married J. Williams; Bert, Samuel, deceased, and
Sadie, who married \Mlliam Bryant. Matthew McWhinney came to Amer-
ica about the year 1840 and settled in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where
he commenced business in a small way. By his industry, frugality, and
excellent business methods he was enabled to increase his operations and in
the course of time rose to a prominent position in the business world of that
section of the state. He associated himself in a business partnership with
Thomas Hare, in 1856, in the wholesale saddlery and hardware line of busi-
ness, but this connection was dissolved at the expiration of five years, and
Mr. McWhinney carried on the business alone until a few years prior to his
death, which occurred August 2t„ 1885. During the Civil war he obtained
large contracts from the government, and these were executed with the
greatest fidelity and reliability. He took up his residence in Edgewood, which
was then in Sterrit township, in 1869, and purchased the fine property and
homestead which is now in the possession of Marshall D. McWhinney. He
was a man of great foresight and keen, sound judgment, and rightly formed
the opinion that landed property in Wilkinshurg and its vicinity must in the
course of time increase greatly in value. He, therefore, invested largely in
that direction, and improved the property as he purchased it, being one of
the pioneers in this direction. He was for man}' years a member of the
school board of Sterrit township, and while holding the office of treasurer
of the board the first ward school building was erected. Though never taking
an active part in political affairs, he was a stanch upholder of the principles
of the Republican party, and did all in his power to further its interests.
During his residence in Allegheny City he was a member and elder of the
Second L^nited Presbyterian church, and upon his removal to Edgewood he
joined the First Presbyterian church of Wilkinshurg, and held the office of
elder in that congregation from 1870 until the time of his death. He married,
February 12, 1840, Sarah Anderson, born JNIay 15, 1820, and they were the
parents of the following named children: i. Thomas J., born April 2. 1843;
he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-second Pennsylvania \'olunteers, in 1861,
and served with gallantry, being killed at the battle of the Wilderness May
12, 1864. 2. Sarah J., born March 2, 1846; married IMajor A. P. Burchfield,
and died October 3, i8g6. 3. Elizabeth Ann, married William L. Cromlish,
of Centre avenue, near Negley, and had three children : Albert L., John B.
and Sarah McWhinney Cromlish. 4. Henrietta L., born October 12, 1850,'
died in 1882. She married A. \\'. Cadman, and had children: Matthew
McW., Ralph \\'.. and Mary E. 5. Wilson, born ]\Iarch 14, 1852, died Jan-
uarv 25, 1885. Just before his death he requested his father, who was at
that time an influential member of the school board, to put a clock, in memory
of him, in the tov.-er of the first ward building. This was the first town
clock in \\'ilkinsburg. The building was later destroved bv fire, but was
426 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
rebuilt on the same site. 6. Emma, bom April 4, 1855, died May 14, 1880.
7. Mary M.. born April 17, 1857, died October 26, 1876. 8. Marshall D.
Marshall D. ]\IcAMiinne\-, third and only surviving son, and eighth and
youngest child of Matthew and Sarah (Anderson) ]\'IcWhinney, .was born in
Allegheny City, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 12, i860. He was
very young when the family removed to Edgewood, and his education was
acquired in the public schools and in the Western University of Pennsylvania.
His first step in his business career was in the business of his father, which
he learned practically in all its details, and upon the retirement of his father
he carried on the business very successfully alone until 1883, at which time
he sold it and devoted his time and attention to his real estate atlairs, which
had grown to a considerable magnitude. He is now closely connected with
all real estate undertakings of any importance in that section of the township,
and is one of the most influential men in the financial affairs of the district.
He takes an active and beneficial interest in all matters concerning the
Republican party, and is an earnest and able worker for its success in every
direction. He has been one of the directors of the Edgewood School Board
for the past nine years, and is at present president of the board. His religious
affiliations are with the First Presbyterian church of Edgewood, of which
he is a member. He is a member of Crescent Lodge, F. and A. M., Shiloh
Chapter, R. A. M., Pittsburg Commandery, No. i, K. T., Pennsylvania Con-
sistory, A. O. S. R., 32d degree, Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and the
Royal Arcanum, all of Pittsburg. He married, October 22, 1885, Rose C. Mc-
Kelvy, daughter of John S. and Eleanor (Horner) McKelvy, and they have
children : Clifford D., born July 4, 1887 ; Eleanor H., born January 5, 1889,
and Ray Stuart, born June 10, 1890.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SHAFER, who has been for the greater part
of fifty years a resident of Wilkinsburg, and has served the borough in offices
of trust and responsibility, was born December 9, 1838, in Mercer, Mercer
county, Pennsylvania, son of Jacob Shafer, who was born in February, 1800,
in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and w-as a blacksmith, following his trade
first in Pittsburg and later in Mercer and Lawrence counties. He constructed
some of the wagons, or prairie schooners, used to carry the pioneers of the
far west across the plains, and built many wagons for the government during
the Mexican war. He also engaged in buying and selling farm lands.
Jacob Shafer married Catharine Cousins, born December 2, 1801, in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of a son, Benjamin
Franklin. Jacob Shafer died in 1852, and his widow survived until 1885.
Benjamin Franklin Shafer, son of Jacob and Catharine (Cousins) Shafer,
was reared in Mercer county, receiving his education in the local schools. He
learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1856, when but eighteen years of age,
went to Wilkins township, where he was employed as engineer in the saw-
mill of James Kelley, situated on Hay street, at the railroad crossing.
For some time thereafter he engaged in farming, and on August i. 1861,
enlisted as corporal in Company A, Sixty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, Colonel (afterward General) Alexander Hay commanding. Mr.
Shafer served with distinction three years and a half, participating in the
following battles: Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern
I
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 427
Hill, second Bull Run, Chantilly, Warrenton, Kelly Ford, Fredericksburg-,
Charles City Crossroads, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness,
May 5-12, 1864. He was taken prisoner, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania
Court House, \'irginia, and for seven months was held captive at Anderson-
ville, whence he was removed to Charleston and afterward to Florence prison.
He was exchanged December 5, 1864. On February 16, 1865, he received an
honorable discharge from the Army of the Potomac, First Brigade. First
Division, Third Corps, rank of sergeant.
At the close of the war he returned to \\"ilkinsburg, and the same year
built the residence on Franklin avenue which has been his home ever since,
and which was the first house erected south of South avenue. Although it is
not generally known, Franklin avenue was named in honor of !Mr. Shater.
From 1866 to 1870 he was foreman at the Duquesne Coal Works, later was
employed in building the Allegheny car and transportation works at Sv.-iss-
vale, and served as foreman in the blacksmith's shop until 1877. He then
purchased a farm in Jefl^erson county, which he cultivated for four years,
and was then employed by the firm of Ayre & French at their spring works
at Twentieth street and Liberty avenue, Pittsburg. From 1885 to 1890 he
was postmaster in Smithburg, Indiana county, and in the latter year went
into the plumbing business with his son, Benjamin Franklin Shafer, junior.
In 1899 he sold out to take office as borough secretary, serving until igoi.
In 1902 he was elected borough auditor to finish W. J. Porter's unexpired
term, and two years later became his own successor. In 1895 he was elected
from the Second ward to the council of Wilkinsburg to fill the unexpired
term of Dr. F. S. Pershing, and in 1896 was re-elected. He has always been
public-spirited, and has taken an earnest interest in the welfare, improvement
and advancement of the borough.
He belongs to ]Major Lowry Post, No. 548, G. A. R., and the Union
Veteran Legion. He has always been an active worker in the organization,
and was commander of Major Lowry Post at the time of the G. A. R.
encampment in Pittsburg. As a member of the general executive committee he
worked incessantly to help make that event the success it proved, an event
which brought one hundred thousand visitors to Pittsburg. He also affiliates
with W. H. DeVore Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Commander\' No. 280, Knights
of Malta. In politics he is a strong Republican. He and his family attend
the First Presbyterian church of Wilkinsburg.
Mr. Shafer married, in 1859, Margaret, daughter of William and Isabel
Elkin, of county Armagh, Ireland, and they are the parents of the following
children : Eliza Jane ; Benjamin Franklin, married Elizabeth Phillips, chil-
ren, Roy, Harold, Clara and Isabel; Jacob E., married Irene Bond, children,
Rebecca and Wallace ; and Isabel Margaret, widow of C)liver D. Mcllroy,
children, Frank S. and Olive E.
THE POST FAMILY. This sketch relates to the Post family, of which
Doctor Frank Smith Post, of Pittsburg, belongs. They were originally from
Ireland, but later settled in Holland. He was born October 11. 1871, in
Pottawatomie county, Kansas, son of Cephas Clark and Nannie Rebecca
(McNay) Post. The genealogical line through which he has descended is
a.- lollo'.v's :
42'8 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(I) Munson Post, born in Essex county, New Jersey, moved to Morris
township, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in wagons in 1781. He engaged
in fanning pursuits, he being a pioneer in that section of the country. Polit-
ically he was a Democrat and is supposed to have been a member of the Church
of England, while many of his descendants were members of the Presbyterian
chiuxh, in some one or another of its branches. He married and his children,
four in number, were: Jeremiah, Joseph, Benjamin and one daughter.
(H) Jeremiah Post was born in Essex county. New Jersey, September
10, i/HQ, and was hence twelve 3'ears of age when he came to Pennsylvania
with his father in 1781. He received a limited education and became a farmer.
He was one of the charter members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church
at Van Buren, Pennsylvania, where he and his wife were buried. He married
Martha, daughter of Doctor Charles Cracraft, in 1794, who tore him the
following children: I. William. 2. Deborah. 3. Charles. 4. Joseph. In
1804, for his second wife, he married Mary Enlow, and their children were:
I. Martha. 2. Jemima. 3. Martin. 4. Jesse. 5. Luke. 6. Sarah. 7. Mary
A. 8. James R. 9. Phoebe.
(III) William Post, eldest son of Jeremiah and Martha (Cracraft)
Post, was born November 12, 1795, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and
married Margaret, daughter of Benjamin Lindley, of Morris township, Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of the following chil-
dren: I. Charles, a tailor in Washington, who married Jane Hays. 2. Ben-
jamin Lindley, a farmer and stock raiser in Donegal township, married Jane
Kirk. 3. Jeremiah, a farmer, who married Elizabeth Bell. 4. Sarah, died in
young womanhood. 5. Martha, married John Bane, a tailor. 6. Jackson, a
tailor in Washington, married Elizabeth Flinder. 7. Mary A., married
Matthias Caton, a fruit grower, near Washington. 8. Cephas C, a farmer,
married Nannie McNay, of W^est Finley township, Washington county, Penn-
sylvania.
(IV) Cephas Clark Post, subject's father and the son of William and
Margaret (Lindley) Post, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania,
December 16, 1840. He obtained a good common-school education and became
a prosperous farmer. Politically he is a Democrat and has never held office
aside from township positions. He is a member of the United Presbyterian
church. He was married to Miss Nannie Rebecca, daughter of Smith and
Jane (Bell) McNay, born in Green county, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1847. She
received a first-class common-school education and in church faith is of the
United Presbyterian church. By this union four children were born: i.
Belle A,, wife of Samuel Hunter, a farmer of Warrensburg, Missouri. 2.
Etta Martha, wife of Charles C. Post, farmer and stock raiser of Spencerville,
Ohio. 3. Doctor Frank Smith, a practicing physician of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, married Clara Kirk. 4. John Lindley, real estate and insurance agent,
Niles, Ohio, married Bertha Sprowls.
(V) Doctor Frank Smith Post, subject, was educated at the common
schools of Pottawatomie county, Kansas, and at the schools of Johnson county,
Missouri, after which he completed a two "years' course in the Southwestern
State Normal School, at Warrensburg, Missouri, graduating on June 8, 1892.
He then taught school near Leeton, Missouri, the following winters with
marked success. He assisted his father with his farm work in the summer
months. In the spring of 1894 he moved with his father's familv to Wash-
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 429
ington county, Pennsylvania, and the following' winter was principal of the
Prosperity schools. He entered the medical department of the Western
University of Pennsylvania at I'ittsburg in the fall of 1895, graduating four
years later. About the time of his graduation he was appointed a member
of the medical staff at Dixmont, which place he filled creditably for over two
years. He was married November 14, 1901, to Miss Clara Baldwin Kirk, of
Pittsburg, by whom was born the following children: i. Frank S., Jr., born
February 24, 1903. 2. Lawrence K., born August 29, 1907.
The Doctor is engaged in the general practice of medicine at his home
at No. 5482 Penn avenue, Pittsburg, where he has built up a large and
lucrative practice. He is also instructor in anatomy in the dental department
of Western University of Pennsylvania. Both Doctor Post and his wife are
Presbyterians. He is a member of the Masonic order — blue lodge and
chapter. He is a member of Leucocyte Laboratory, a Masonic IMedical fra-
ternity, and the Nu Sigma Nu.. Also belongs to the Allegheny County, State
and American Medical societies. Politicallv he is a Democrat.
JOHN A. FARMERIE, born 1840, a son of George and Elizabeth
(Yerkins) Farmerie, has been for sixty-eight years a life-long resident of
Shaler township, along the banks of the Allegheny river. He is a grandson
of John Farmerie, who was a native of France and came to this country in
1806. He settled in Allegheny county, and later moved to Ross township,
where he invested in a farm of two hundred and fifty acres and turned his
attention to agriculture in connection with a distillery. He was a father of
eight children, John, George, James. Nicholas, Christopher, Catharine, Mary
and Elizabeth. Three of his sons, George, James and Nicholas, married the
three daughters of Anthony Yerkins in the old St. Patrick's Roman Catholic
church. Mr. Yerkins, who was a native of Cologne, Germany, came to the
United States in 1808. and settled on the banks of the Allegheny river near
the old Hand street bridge. He w?as a carpenter, but later ran a ferry flat
boat from Allegheny to Pittsburg, propelling it by hand, and transported
passengers and freight. He lived to the ripe old age of one hundred years
and eight months, and his wife expired in her ninety-ninth year.
George Farmerie, son of John Farmerie, was a farmer. In 1845 he opened
a hotel known as the Rising Sun House, situated on the Freeport road,
w'hich has never been without a license up to the present time. Besides
running the hotel he also ran a passenger and market boat on the old canal
in 1846.
George Farmerie, as stated above, married Elizabeth, daughter of
Anthony Yerkins, in 1836. Their union was blessed with the following
children: Elizabeth, John A., Barbara, George, Nicholas, Catharine, Wil-
son H. and Andrew. George Farmerie, the father, died in comparatively
early life, being but forty years old at the time of his death. His widow
survived him half a century, passing away at the advanced age of ninety.
John A. Farmerie, the oldest son of George and Elizabeth (Yerkins)
Farmerie, was brought up in the hotel, receiving his education in the old
Sample School, Shaler township, and at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School,
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1858 he engaged in buying lumber and oil,
and in 1863 and 1864 ran a ferry boat at Sharpsburg on the Allegheny river
430
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
where the brtdge had been destroyed by fire. He operated the ferry until
the new bridge was rebuilt. In 1865 he constructed a saw-mill at the
junction of Pine creek, and a few years later also built another mill at
Bennett, on the banks of the Allegheny river, operating the two mills for
the long period of thirty-two years. Later he engaged in the plumbing and
gas-fitting business at Etna. Pennsylvania. He has now retired, his time
being fullv occupied in attending to the large amount of real estate of which
he is the owner. He is the possessor of a very valuable collection of old coins,
both United States and foreign, some of which bear no date, and inasmuch as
no coins were elated prior to the fifteenth century, this is convincing proof of
their antiquity. He also has a fine collection of Indian relics, consisting of
stone pipes and tomahawks. He has a cuckoo clock which was made in 1764
in Swartzwald, Germany. It is enclosed in a case of finished lumber, caught
in the Allegheny river at the time of the Johnstown flood in 1889, and made
by Mr. Farmerie's own hands.
John A. Farmerie married Anna M. Winschell, daughter of Laurence
and Mary Ann (Martin) Winschell, in 1869, the ceremony being performed
by the Rev. Father Shell at St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, Sharpsburg.
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Farmerie were blessed with the following children :
John L., Regina M., Lovina A., Rozella E., Emma A. and Clarence W., the
last named being born January 13, 1894, died January 9, 1902, in his eighth
year. The remaining children still live.
John L. Farmerie started into lousiness at the age of eighteen ; con-
ducted a store known as Farmerie's Department Store in Etna, and for the
last twelve years has been conducting a branch store under the same name
at Millvale, Pennsylvania. He is a prominent member of the Knights of '
Columbus Council 972.
John L. Farmerie was mamied, in 1899, to Georgieanna Schlieper, daugh-
ter of William and Anna M. (Hart), Schlieper, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic,
church, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed with the fol-
lowing children : Clarence John. Charles Rohland, and Mary Regina. Rozella
Farmerie, the third daughter of Air. and Mrs. John A. Farmerie, married
Andrew J. Hammer, of Allegheny, in 1904, their union being blessed with one
child, Grace M. Mrs. John A. Farmerie was a daughter of Laurence and Mary
Ann (Martin) Winschell. Laurence Winschell was born in 1809, in Bavaria,
and in 1830- came to the United States, finally settling in Sharpsburg, where he
became the owner of a large amount of real estate. He was a devoted mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic church and married Mary Ann Martin, born in
1820, and their union was blessed with ten children, four of whom died in child-
hood. The remaining are : Magdalina, wife of Joseph Hahner ; Regina, wife
of Joseph Holzheimer; Anna M., wife of John A. Farmerie; John, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Hirtz ; Jacob J., who married Margaret Soffer, and Catharine,
wife of Michel J. Schram. Laurence Winschell died in 1877, in his sixty-eighth
year. His widow survived hin'i until 1888, dying in her si.xty-eighth year, at
the same age to which her husband had attained at the time of his death.
JOSEPH B. HUFF, late of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania, one of the oldest and best knbwn residents of that borough at the
time of his death, was born in Maryland in 1822, and died May 2, 1900.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 431
He came to Wilkinsburg in i860, where he shortly afterward engaged in the
stock business, with which lie was prominently identified for a great many
years. He was the senior member of the firm of Huff-, Hazlewood & Imhoff,
which name was afterward changed to Joseph B. Huff & Company, stock
dealers at the 'East Liberty Stock Yards, Mr. Huff retaining the controlling
influence. He had a large business acquaintance and amassed a considerable
fortune, being noted for the reliability and integrity of his business methods.
He purchased the comfortable and commodious residence on Penn avenue,
Wilkinsburg. where he died, and in which his widow is now residing. He
was a man of sterling worth and his death was deeply and sincerely regretted.
He married (first) Mary Basson, and had children: i. Dr. Charles C, of
Homestead, a graduate of the University of ]Michigan. He married Alice
Clark, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and they have one son : Harold. 2. Harry,
deceased. 3. Catherine Mary, married Joseph ]\Iiller. 4. William, deceased.
He married (second), December_28, 1S70, Elizabeth Henry, born February 27,
1838, daughter of William Henry and granddaughter of John Henry.
John Henry was a native of Ireland and emigrated to America in the
latter part of the eighteenth century, w'hen he was sixteen years of age. He
settled in Allegheny county, on the old Washington pike, about five miles
from Pittsburg, on a tract of land which was probably a grant from the
government. At that time the region was a wilderness and he was fre-
quently obliged to defend his home against the attacks of the Indians, who
were in a state of hostility at the time. He maintained his position, how-
ever, and became one of the leading and prosperous farmers of the locality,
his death occurring February 15, 1849. He was twice married. By his
first wife, whose name has not been preserved, he had children : John,
Samuel, Tames and Betsey. He married (second) Margaret — and had chil-
dren: I. William, see forward. 2. Thomas. 3. Margaret. 4. Jane. 5.
Rev. Robert, who married a sister of President Buchanan, and is buried in
Greensburg, Westmoreland coimty, Pennsylvania. 6. Nancy.
William Henry, son of John and Margaret Henry, and father of Mrs.
Huff, was born on the farm of his father December 14, 1789, and died
February 18, 1848. He followed the occupation of farming all his life, and
inherited from his father a considerable amount of land, which he sold and
later purchased a farm of three hundred acres near Woodville, a suburb
of Pittsburg. This property is still in the possession of the family. He was
a stanch Republican in politics and a consistent member of the Presbyterian
church. He married Zebiah Middleswarth, born December 14, 1797, and
they had children: i. Jefferson, born May 29, 1826, died May 15, i860,
unmarried. 2. John, born July 14, 1828, died January 29, 1838. 3. Moses,
born June 13, 1831, died May 11, 1859. 4. William, born July 3, 1833, died
February 6, 1850. 5. Mary Ann, born July 23, 1835, died August 25, 1836.
6. Margaret C, born April 24, 1837, died December 25, 1887. She married
George Forsythe and had children : Cora, who married Harr\- Walk, and
Howard. 7. Elizabeth, who became the second wife of Mr. Huff.
WILLIAM REYNOLDS TRUBY, of Wilkinsburg, land agent for the
Philadelphia Company, was born February 5, 1843, in Kittanning, Pennsyl-
vania, son of Philip Truby, grandson of Michael Truby. Jr., great-grandson
432 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
of Michael Truby, Sr., and great-great-grandson of Christopher Tniby, whose
father, also Christopher Truby, of Holland, was naturalized in the Pennsyl-
vania Supreme Court held at Philadelphia, the 25th, 26th and 27th days of Sep-
tember, 1740, "having resided the space of seven years and upwards in his
Majesty's colonies in America."
Christopher Truby, the second, was born in 1736, in Bucks county, Penn-
sylvania, of which county his father is recorded as a resident at the time of his
naturalization. About 1771 Christopher Truby, the son, moved to Bedford,
now Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and settled vipon land which subse-
quently became a portion of the site of the town of Greensburg, the county
seat of Westmoreland county. In 1774 he was commissioner for the county,
and on June 11. 1777, was commissioned one of the justices of the peace for
Westmoreland county.
In February, 1778, he was captain in the Westmoreland Militia, and
throughout the Revolution was the owner of a blockhouse, or fort, erected
upon his premises in Hempfield township, which was occupied by his family
and neighbors as a refuge from the enemy. From this building scouting
expeditions against the Indians were frequently sent.
August 18, 1784, Christopher Truby was re-elected justice of the peace,
and was made judge of the court of common pleas of W^estmoreland county.
In 1790 he served with the rank of lieutenant-colonel in General Harmar's
campaign against the Indians, commanding, in association with Major PauU,
the battalion of Pennsylvania Militia. He was one of the signers of a letter
addressed to General Jackson by the inhabitants of Westmoreland county.
The records of the Pennsylvania land office show Christopher TruBy
to have been the owner of three tracts of land situated in Hempfield town-
ship, Westmoreland county, and acquired by purchase from the state. Two
of these were surveyed on warrants granted to him, and the third on an
application entered by Philip Fasselman. The earliest of the warrants is
dated August 16, 1784, and was issued for a tract consisting of two hundred
and seventy-four acres adjoining the lands of Dewalt Mechlin and Philip
Kuhns. The second warrant is dated December 5, 1785, and the land for
which it was granted was surveyed December 5, 1787. It ciiniprised two
hundred and two acres situated on the banks of a branch of Sewickley creek,
and adjoining the lands of William Jack and others. The warrant for this
tract included an improvement made in 1772. Greensburg was laid out upon
land owned by Christopher Truby and • General William Jack, who con-
tributed for the nominal sum of six pence ground for the erection of a
court-house and prison.
Christopher Truby married before leaving his native county Isabella
Bowman, and seven children were born to them: Michael, of whom later;
Christopher, Jacob, John, and three daughters. Christopher Truby, the
father, died February 20, 1802, and is buried in the German cemetery, Greens-
burg. A stone at the head of his grave bears the inscription: ''Here lies
the body of Colonel Christ. Truby, Esq., who departed this life ye 20th day
of February, 1802, Aged 66." Beside him lies the body of Isabella, his wife,
who died August 24, 1801, aged sixty-three years.
Michael Truby, son of Christopher and Isabella (Bowman) Truby, while
still a boy served' with his father in the Westmoreland Militia, acting as
drummer whenever the company was called into action. Beyond this fact
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 43.3
nothing seems to be known of him except that he was the father of a son.
also named Michael.
This IMichael Truby, the second, was a blacksmith, following his trade
at Kittanning, Pennsylvania. He was a Whig and a member of the Ger-
man Lutheran church. His wife was Mary Schreckengost, and the follow-
ing were their children : Henry, married to Lawless ; Daniel, mar-
ried to Sarah Schreckengost; Philip, married to Phoebe Reynolds; Eve, to
Jacob Buckley ; Levina, to Jacob Raireck ; Rebecca, to Andrew Waugaman ;
"Susannah, to Solomon Altman, and Isabella, to Samuel Elgin.
Philip Truby, son of Michael and Mary (Schreckengost) Truby, was
born December 5, 1818, and, like his father, followed the blacksmith's trade
at Kittanning, and a few years later in life lived at Blairsville, Pennsyl-
vania.
William Reynolds Truby, son of Philip and Phoebe (Reynolds) Truby,
lived until the age of lifteen at Echo, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, re-
ceiving his education at the 'common schools and at the academy. When
eighteen years of age he went to Blairsville and was employed as clerk in
a general store. In 1864 he enlisted and w-as assigned a clerkship in the
adjutant's office under Colonel I. V. D. Reeves, of the Seventeenth United
States Infantry, commanding the post of Camp Reynolds, near Pittsburg,
and was mustered out of service May 3, 1865.
After his return to Blairsville until 1884 he engaged in mercantile busi-
ness at that place. During this period he served for twelve years as a mem-
ber of the city council and the school board, for a part of the time holding
the office of secretary of the latter organization. In 1885, shortly after the
organization of the Philadelphia Company, he came to Pittsburg and formed
a connection with this company, whose land agent he has been for the last
fifteen or si.xteen years, having charge of all its land and properties in con-
nection with its natural gas business. He adheres to the doctrines and prin-
ciples of the Republican party, and is a member of the First United Presby-
te'rian church of Wilkinsburg, in which he holds the office of elder.
Mr. Truby married, in 1867, Charlotte, daughter of Samuel and Char-
lotte McCune, of Blairsville. Their children are: Carrie, wife of Harry
E. Hicks, children, Ruth, Robert W. and William T. ; Rhodella, wife of H. C.
Bixler, children, Charlotte and Donald ; Gertrude, wife of E. A. Smith, one
daughter, Mary E. ; Edith died in childhood ; Virginia M., wife of Dr.
Robert Raymond Hutchinson, and Charlotte, wife of Charles A. Mechesney,
one daughter, Elizabeth.
THE HAMILTON FAMILY. Among the enterprising men of Pitts-
burg are the Plamiltons, whose ancestry traces back to John Hamilton (I)
of county Londonderry, Ireland, but he came originally from Scotland. He
was about eighty-two years of age w'hert he died. Among his children were
sons named: John and Richard, of Glasgow, Scotland; William, of Austra-
lia ; Joseph, of Steubenville, Ohio, and James Hamilton, who was born Jan-
uary 21, 1824 and died June, 1895.
James (II) was engaged in farming throughout his entire life. During
the winter season he always wove linen. He was a devoted member of the
Moravian church, in which he took deep interest. He was highly esteemed
ill— 28 ,
434
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
in the community in which he resided. He married, in 1848, Mary Bell,
born in 1828 and died about 187-. She was the daughter of William and
Sarah Bell; her father was a tailor by trade. In church faith he was an
Episcopalian. He lived to the age of seventy-two years. His wife died in
middle life. William Bell and wife were the parents of eight children. The
same branch of the Bell family is represented in America by John Bell and
William Bell, of Wilkinsburg, P'ennsylvania. James Hamilton and wife, Mary
(Bell) Hamilton, were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are
still living ; John, of California ; Sarah, wife of Samuel Speer ; Margaret,
wife of Matthew Taylor, and William. The last three named are residents
of New Zealand. The other children are : Joseph, who was the first of the
family to come to America and now lives in Pittsburg ; Mary, wife of Thomas
McGrath, the mother of six children. She died in 1903, aged thirty-eight
years, in Belfast, Ireland ; James H., Jr., of whom later mention is made ;
Simpson ; Eliza, wife of Joseph Ferris, and the mother of three children :
Samuel, Mary and Sarah. This family resides on a farm in New York state.
The other of the remaining children not named in this family of twelve died
in childhood.
(Ill) James Hamilton, Jr., was born in county Londonderry, Ireland,
June 21, 1868. He spent his youthful days on the farm and attended the
public schools. In 1893 he decided to immigrate to America and join his
brother Joseph. In company with his sister Eliza they arrived in Pittsburg
in the month of August of that year. He at once entered the employ of his
brother Joseph as a clerk in the restaurant business. After three years'
time he had accumulated a handsome sum of money from his earnings and
he embarked in the same line of business on his own account. His place of
business was No. 6206 Penn avenue. He there conducted his business on the
European plan and was successful from the first, and eventually built up an
excellent trade. In November, 1895, he opened up his present place of
business at No. 5937 Penn avenue, where he fitted up one of the finest places
in the city. His increasing patronage is but an index to his good manage-
ment, in which the general public is well pleased. Socially Mr. Hamilton
stands high in Pittsburg. He is a member of Highland Avenue Presbyterian
church, to which he is a liberal contributor in both time and money. Polit-
ically he is a Republican. He was made a Mason in Hailman Lodge, No.
321, Free and Accepted Masons, from which later he withdrew and was one
of the organizers of Fort Pitt Lodge, No. 634. He is also a member of
Duquesne Commandery, K. T., No. 72, and of Pittsburg Chapter, R. A. M.,
No. 268. He also is numbered among the members of James B. Nicholson
Lodge. No. 585, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past
grand. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Iron City Lodge.
Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage June 26. 1896, to Miss Nellie
Drumm, born in Marietta, Ohio, daughter of David Drumm. Mr. Hamilton
and wife are the parents of two children — Mary Eleanor, born June 9, 1897;
Helen Beatrice, born January 29, 1901. The family residence is at No. 617
North Euclid avenue, which premises were purchased by Mr. Hamilton in
1904. He also owns other realty in the city.
David Drumm, father of Mrs. Hamilton and also of Mrs. Joseph B.
Hamilton, was born in Germany in 1825 and died August 29, 1900. His
parents died when he was a small boy and he was brought up by an aunt.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 435
In early life he followed farming, but in young manhood came to America,
settling at Marietta, Ohio, where for a time he worked in the oil fields and
still later had charge of lumber yards of the Marietta Chair Company. He
was a devout member of the German Lutheran church and in politics a
Democrat. He purchased and built the fine home where his widow now
resides. He married at Marietta, Ohio, Susan Wolf, born 1838, a daughter
of Jacob and Susan Wolf, by whom the following children were born: i.
Addie, Mrs. Jacob Renner. 2. Charles, of Pittsburg. 3. William, who died
in infancy. 4. Elizabeth, died in childhood. 5. William (second), died aged
thirty-eight years. 6. Emma, wife of Joseph B. Hamilton. 7. Frank, of
Pittsburg. 8. Nellie L., wife of James Hamilton. 9. Ella, of Pittsburg. 10.
Harry, of Bedford, Ohio.
In 1905 James Hamilton, with his family, visited his old home in Ireland
and there remained three months. While there he came into possession of
his great-grandfather's clock— ^John Hamilton's old time piece. It is over
two hundred years old and was handed down as an heirloom from generation
to generation. He brought this highly treasured clock back to America with
him. It shows fine workmanship throughout.
(HI) Joseph B. Hamilton, son of James and Mary (Bell) Hamilton,
was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, March, 31, 1862, and was educated
in the Moravian schools of his native home, the same being conducted by
the Moravian church. He spent his youth at farm labor and when fourteen
years of age was apprenticed to learn the tailor's trade, and served five years
at it in Ireland. Augxist 17, 1883, marked a new departure for young
Hamilton, for it was on that day that he set sail for America from Liver-
pool, England, and he landed in New York harbor August 24. He went
direct to Steubenville, Ohio, where his uncle, Joseph Hamilton, lived, and
■(\'ho had been in this country about thirty years. His uncle was a glass-
worker and had a family of seven children living: John, William, Thomas,
Joseph, Alcia, Sarah and Mary.
Joseph B. Hamilton of this part of the narrative worked at his trade
in Steubenville until May 30, 1884, when he came to Pittsburg, Pennsvlvania,
where he continued the tailoring business for four years longer, and then.
May 4, 1889, engaged in the restaurant business at his present location, No.
1 1 25 Liberty avenue, where he has one of the best dining parlors in Greater
Pittsburg. He also conducts a similar place at Wilkinsburg. He owns a
fine farm at Leetsdale, where he spends most of his summers. His present
residence is at Crafton, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg. He has other real
estate in different sections of the city. In 1904 he paid his native land a
visit, as well as other European countries. Mr. Hamilton belongs to R. B.
Roberts Lodge, No. 530, C)dd Fellows order of Allegheny, and is a past
grand. He also belongs to the Canton, Allegheny, No. 32. In politics he is
a Republican and has served as road commissioner of Leetsdale township.
He was married September 6, 1888, to Miss Emma S. Drumm, daughter
of William and Sidney Drumm, whose history appears elsewhere in this
sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Hamilton are the parents of the following
children: i. Joseph Newton, born February 21, 1893. 2. Howard William,
born April 14, 1895.
(HI) Simpson Hamilton, son of James and Mary (Bell) Hamikon,
was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, February 17, 1873. He was
436 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
educated at the Moravian church schools and when seventeen years of age
sailed, Sunday morning, July 21, 1890, from his native land and landed
here August i. He came direct to Pittsburg, where he joined his brothers,
beginning as a clerk for them, but now has an interest in the business. He
is a member of the Herron Hill Methodist Episcopal church and one of its
trustees. He belongs to Sluckrath Lodge, No. 430, F. and A. M., and Shiloh
Chapter, No. 25, Masonic order. In politics he is a Republican. He built
his present residence in the Thirteenth ward, in 1902, at No. 3390 Webster
avenue.
Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage Jul}' 21, 1897, to Miss Ruth Devilt,
born in Pittsburg, the daughter of John and Annie (Lockhart) Devilt. By
this union were born three children: i. James Raymond, born April i, 1898.
2. Anna R., born October 14, 1901. 3. Emma May, born May 10, 1905.
DR. JAMES WILSON DICKSON, of Pittsburg, ex-sheriff of Allegheny
county, was born in 1852, in the county which he served, son of Stephen
Dickson and grandson of John Dickson, who was a native of Maryland, and
in 1839 became a resident of Allegheny county.
Stephen Dickson, son of John Dickson, was a farmer and also a contractor
and builder, making his home in Sewickley. He married Anna Porter, a
native of Scotland, who came to this country in 1840, and in 1845 became a
resident of Allegheny City.
James Wilson IDickson, son of Stephen and Anna (Porter) Dickson,
received his early education in the public schools of Sewickley and finished
his preliminary studies at Washington and Jefferson Academy, Canonsburg,
Pennsylvania. In 1870 he became clerk in a drug store, retaining the position
for eighteen months. During that period he read medicine under the direction
of his uncle, and in 1873 matriculated in Jefferson Medical College, Phila-
delphia, graduating from that institution in 1875, with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine. Thereafter he practiced in the city of Allegheny.
He has served as city bacteriologist and is a member of the Allegheny
Medical Association and the Allegheny County Medical Society.
His character as a physician has been well described in the following
words :
"Ever since the days of Hippocrates there have been, in every country and
every age, unselfish persons who stood ready to make sacrifices for suffering
humanity. Such a man is Dr. James W. Dickson. Thoroughly in love with
his calling, and imbued with the knowledge of the nobility of his chosen
profession, he has never turned a deaf ear to the appeal of the afflicted."
Dr. Dickson has always taken a very active interest in the politics of his
city and county and has had a marked influence in the shaping of their destinies.
He has held the office of city councilman and has several times served as a
delegate to State conventions.
For three years he was a member of the pension board, and for a con-
siderable period served with distinction in the offices of county and city
committeeman.
During tlje Wyman administration in Allegheny Dr. Dickson was directly
instrumental in bringing about the reorganization of the city committee. In
January, 1904, he entered upon his duties as sheriff, which he discharged with
'y^it.n.^^t^ ■ /r^<^(Wt^c^v^ty^
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 437
abilit_v during that year and tlie two years immediately following. The office
of sheritT of Allegheny county is an extremely important one and the wisdom
of Dr. Dickson's constituents in choosing him to fill this position was proved
in the most abundant and satisfactory manner.
Dr. Dickson married, in June, 1898, Miss Sarah Callahan, an estimable
lady of Allegheny City.
REV. CHARLES W. SMITH, D. D., LL. D., was born at the home of
his maternal grandfather, Hugh Charles Ford, in Jeflferson township, Fayette
' county, Pennsylvania. He is the present editor of the Pittsburg Christian
Advocate, hence well known in Methodist Episcopal circles.
His father, the Rev. Wesley Smith, of Scotch-Irish-English blood, was
born near Belfast, Ireland. He entered the ministry of the Methodist Epis-
copal church in 1833, and co;itinued therein until his death, October 28,
1888. He was a man of marked intellectual attainments, and a champion in
the defense of the Christian faith and the doctrines and polity of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church.
Stewart Smith, father of Rev. Wesley, was also of Scotch-Irish-English
blood and was a school teacher and linen manufacturer near Belfast, Ireland.
In religion he was a Protestant and became a follower of Mr. Wesley in the
early days of the Methodist movement. He was a class leader and local
preacher in the church both in Ireland and America. When the family
eniigrated to this country in 1814 they settled first in Brooke county, Vir-
ginia (now West Mrginia), near \^'ellsburg, and afterwards removed to
Jefferson county, Ohio.
Doctor C. W. Smith's maternal grandfather, Hugh C. Ford, was of pure
English stock, the family coming to this country in the last quarter of the
eighteenth century and settling in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. His maternal
grandmother was Elizabeth Brown, of a Scotch-Irish family of that name
residing near Fayette City, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, a stanch and
honored Presbyterian family, some of whose members still reside in that
vicinity.
After spending his youth in study and preparation Doctor Smith, the
subject of this sketch, entered the Pittsburg Conference in 1859, at the age
of nineteen years. His first pastorates were Centerville, Somerset county ;
Carmichaels, Green county; Brownsville (Second Church) and Connellsville,
Fayette county. In 1865 he became pastor of Carson Street church, Pitts-
burg, and has continued in Allegheny county ever since, except three years
at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and three years as pastor of First Church,
Canton, Ohio. Since leaving Carson Street church his appointments have
been Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Arch street, Allegheny, Canton, Ohio, Smith-
field street, Pittsburg, and First Church, McKeesport. The latter was the
last church served by him. At the close of his pastorate there he was ap-
pointed presiding elder of the Pittsburg District, in 1880, and in 1884 was
elected editor of the Pittsburgh Christian Adzwcate, in which office he has
continued by successive elections every four years without opposition to the
present time. During his incumbency the circulation of the paper has in-
creased from a little over nine thousand to almost thirty-five thousand.
Doctor Smith has been elected delegate to the General Conference eight times,
438 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
thus having been honored more than any other man in the history of the
Conference. He was a delegate to the Ecumenical Methodist Conference
in Washington, District of Columbia, in 1891, and to that which met in
London in 1901. He was a member and the vice-chairman of the Com-
mission which formed the present constitution of his church and had charge
of the measure in its passage through the General Conference. He was a
member of the joint commission which prepared the present Methodist
Hymnal, now in use by the Methodist Episcopal church and the Methodist
Episcopal church, South. He was also a member of the joint commission
representing the Methodist Episcopal church, the Methodist Episcopal church.
South, and the Methodist church of Canada, which arranged for the organiza-
tion of the Methodist church of Japan by the consolidation of the members and
ministers of these three churches in that country.
In 1865 Doctor Smith was united in marriage to Miss Caroline L.
Lindley, daughter of Doctor Lutellus Lindley, a highly honored physician of
Connellsville, Pennsylvania. She was an educated, cultured and talented
woman who, after having been an inspiration and counselor to her husband
for more than forty-one years, entered into rest February 4, 1907. They
have three children: The Reverend Charles L. Smith, A. M., pastor of the
First Methodist Episcopal church of Salem, Ohio; Lutellus W., a member
of the Allegheny county bar, and Miss Edna M., who is with her father.
WALTER EVERETT STEVENSON. The earliest known ancestor of
the Stevenson family was Francis Stevenson, born in county Antrim, Ire-
land, 1778, died June 26, 1862, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Upon his emigra-
tion to the United States in 1818 he located in Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania, from whence he moved to Pittsburg. He married Margaret Stewart,
daughter of Robert and Sarah (Gray) Stewart, of Islandbawn, county
Antrim, Ireland. They were the parents of three sons: Robert, born 1819,
died 1897, was a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; married Violet Waund-
less, born 1828, died June 10, 1901. James, of Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
William, see forward.
William Stevenson, third son of Francis and Margaret (Stewart) Steven-
son, was born November 28, 1822, died February 15, 1901. He acquired
his education by attending common school and under private tuition. He was
senior member of the firm of Stevenson, Foster & Company, printers and
binders, a business started by John Cooper (first directory of Pittsburg, 1815),
handed down to his son-in-law, William S. Haven, and in turn handed down
to his son-in-law, William Stevenson. This business, which was established
one hundred years ago, is carried on as the Stevenson & Foster Company
by the sons of William Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson was a United Presbyterian
in religion. He married Helen Mar Haven, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Children: Margaretta H., Helen Mar, Walter E., Alan C, Mrs. Frank
Keller McCance, Edwin L., Bertha M., William D., Paul V., Donald C,
Kenneth S.
Helen Mar (Haven) Stevenson traces ancestry back to the Revolutionary
war as follows: Her great-grandfather, Robert Agnew, born in Ireland, 1757,
came to America, settling at Bennington, New "jersey. Enlisted at Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, was engaged in the battle of three Rivers. Canada,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 439
June 8, 1776, taken prisoner at the battle and detained about three months
on board prison-sliip at Quebec. Was at Crawford's defeat at Sandusky,
Ohio, June 5, 1782, by the Indians and the renegade, Simon Girty. When
he came west he first settled in Canonsburg, Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania, afterward moved to Beaver county, same state, 1790. He was a private
in the Revolutionary war in Captain John Lacey's Company, Fourth Penn-
sylvania Battalion, under Colonel Anthony Wayne. He was also about four
months a private under Captain John Nelson. Robert Agnew's name is
found in Pennsylvania Archives, second series, volume 10, page 129. He mar-
ried Esther Carnegie, who died 1792, buried at Clinton. Their daughter
Sarah married John Cooper, the pioneer in the book-binding trade (first
directory of Pittsburg, 1815), which business was continued by W'illiam S.
Haven, who married Helen Mar Cooper, and later by William Stevenson,
who married Helen Mar Haven. Robert Agnew was buried at Clinton,
Findlay township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, 1840.
Walter Everett Stevenson, eldest son of W'illiam and Helen Mar
(Haven) Stevenson, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1868.
He was educated at Pennsylvania State College, graduating as electrical
engineer, and is connected with the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing
Company, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the society of Sons
of American Revolution, of Duquesne Club and the Oakmont Country Club.
He married, October 4, 1906, Marguerite Maple, who was educated at
Chelton Hill school, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National Park Seminary,
W^ashington, D. C. Her great-great-great-grandfather, James Reynolds, was
rector of the parish of Devertagney, Ireland, and his brother, John Reynolds,
born October 21, 165 1, and a personal friend of William Penn, was induced
by Mr. Penn to come to America with him on the "Welcome," receiving a
grant of a tract of land of twelve hundred and twenty^five acres in Bucks
county, near Doylestown, which was later called "No Man's Land" on ac-
count of John Reynolds being lost at sea on his return to England and the
squatters being unable to obtain a clear title. James Reynolds, son of James
Reynolds, the rector, came to America, lived at Crosswicks Village, New
Jersey, taught school at Woodwardsville, Burlington county. New Jersey,
died 1767; and was buried at Mt. Holly, New Jersey. His daughter, Betsey
Budd Reynolds, married, 1783, John Maple, and they lived at Plainsboro,
New Jersev. Their son, Jacob Maple, of Princeton, New Jersey, born April
6, 1807, married Matilda Stoats, of Princeton, born May 3, 1807, died March
2, 1898, at Pittsburg. She was a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Downie)
Stoats, of Princeton ; the father of Hannah Downie, was a Revolutionary
soldier.
Thomas Seabrook Maple, son of Jacob and Matilda (Stoats) Maple, and
father of Marguerite (Maple) Stevenson, was educated as a civil engineer,
was connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad 1853-61, on the construction
of driving the Gallitzin Tunnel 1853-54, later assistant engineer and super-
visor, and resigned to join the army. He was a lieutenant in Anderson Troop,
Independent Company, and was attached to the headquarters of the Annies
of Ohio and Cumberland, under Major Generals Buell and Rosecrans, during
the Civil war. He was the founder, together with his father-in-law, Benja-
min McLain, of the boroughs of Allentown and Beltzhoover, at present the
Thirty-first and Thirty-eighth wards of the city of Pittsburg. His wife.
440 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Margaret Boyd (McLain) .Maple, is a direct descendant through Benjamin
McLain and Susan Johnson of John W. Johnson, who was a contractor and
builder, also a member of the town council, borough of Pittsburg, in 1815,
which is stated in the First Directory of Pittsburg, published in 1815.
FREDERICK HEINZ, of the firm of H. J. Heinz & Company, Sharps-
burg, Greater Pittsburg, was born in 1842, in Kallstadt, Rheinpfalz, Germany,
son of Frederick and Rosa (Shroeder) Heinz. He was educated in his native
land and there passed his youth and early manhood.
In 1869 he came to the United States and settled in Sharpsburg, where
for one year he was employed by his aunt, Mrs. Heinz. He then found
employment in the greenhouse of a Mr. Darlington, and later became man-
ager of a branch of the pickling business of Heinz & Company. In 1875
he was admitted to the firm and has since had charge of the farms belonging
to the house.
In politics he is a Republican, supporting to the utmost of his power the
principles, candidates and measures advocated and endorsed by the organiza-
tion. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, in which he has filled
various offices. ,
Mr. Heinz married Rebecca Sekamp, who was born in 1835, in Germany,
and in 1870 came to the United States, and they are the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Charles, born September 15, 1871, lives in Aspinwall,
married Matilda Marzolf ; Margaret, born April 2, 1875, wife of Herman
Bukerman, of Sharpsburg; and Bertha, born March 20, 1879, wife of Frank
Marquard, of Sharon, Pennsylvania.
JOHN D. McDowell, of Pittsburg, county committeeman, from Shaler
township, and during the last thirty-five years the incumbent of many other
local offices of trust and responsibility, was born August 4, 1842, in Pine town-
ship, son of James McDowell, who was born in 1803, in Ireland, where the
family name is spelled McDole.
James McDowell was a carpenter and when a young man emigrated to
the United States, settling in Pine township, where he followed his trade until
the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted for three months in Colonel
Black's regiment, and upon the expiration of his term re-enlisted for three
years, but after serving eighteen months was discharged for disability. In
1863 he re-enlisted and was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. He was a
Republican in politics and in religious belief a Covenanter.
James McDowell married, after coming to this country, his second wife,
Jane, daughter of John and Esther (McMarlin) Reynolds, and they became the
parents of one son, John D., of whom later. Mrs. McDowell died in 1843, and
James McDowell married Isabel Thompson. She died in 1906.
John D. McDowell, son of James and Jane (Reynolds) ]\IcDowell, was
brought up on a farm and at the age of seventeen learned the carpenter's trade
under the instruction of his uncle, Reuben Reynolds. He now conducts a
flourishing contracting and building business, and since igoo has been employed
by the United Coal Company of Pittsburg to do the building at their various
mines. In 1863 he enlisted in the State Militia and was with his regiment
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 441
when it went to Ohio at the time of Morgan's raid, capturing Morgan at Co-
lumbus, in that state. Mr. McDowell was left to stand guard over the stolen
horses which tlie regiment had captured and which were held until claimed
by their owners. On the return of th'e regiment to Pittsburg Mr. McDowell
was discharged.
From 1873 to 1878 he held the office of timber measurer and inspector
for the city of Allegheny, and he has served the township of Ross as auditor
and in other capacities. He now holds the office of county committeeman
from Shaler township. He belongs to Evergreen Lodge, Royal Arcanum,
of which he was a promoter. He is a Republican and a member of the United
Presbyterian church.
Mr. McDowell married Henrietta Grubs, and they have been the parents
of the following children: Xancy E., born 1865, died 1898; James H., born
1867, died 1892, married Jennie \V. Huddel ; John W., born 1870, died the
same year; Luella AL, born 1871, died 1874; Harry, died in infancy; Martha
J., born 1874, wife of Thomas ^Maxwell ; ilary E., born 1876, wife of John
D. Cleeland'; Charles H., born 1878, married Rose Bitzer; Bella, born 1882,
wife of Wilber S. Munn ; Henrietta, born 1884; Thomas M., born 18S7, and
Albert E., born 1892.
Mrs. McDowell is a daughter of Jacob Grubs and a granddaughter of
George Grubs, who was one of the early settlers of McCandless township,
whither he went in the winter of 1800, having made his wedding trip from
Lancaster county. He and his bride made the journey on foot, each carry-
ing his share of the burdens, and after their arrival had no shelter until they
could construct a log cabin, while for food they were obliged to depend on
deer meet and such vegetables as they brought with them.
Jacob Grubs, son of George Grubs, was a farmer in McCandless town-
ship, and married Nancy M. Hartupee. Their daughter, Henrietta, became
the wife of John D. McDowell.
HENRY M. RITZ, a contractor and builder of Pittsburg, who has made
a success of his business and has the esteem and confidence of all for whom
he does contracting work, w^as born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, De-
cember 14, 1873, the son of Nicholas and Sophia ( Alittendorf) Ritz. His
father was born in New York City in 1832 and engaged in the manufacture
of trunks and saddlery goods. He married Sophia jNIittendorf of Monroe
county, Ohio, and they are the parents of the following children :
I. William, born in 1863. 2. John, born in 1865. 3. George, born in
1867 and died 1895. 4. Elizabeth, born 1869, married Mr. McCory. 5.
Nicholas, born 1871. 6. Henry M., born December 14, 1873, '^he subject
of this memoir. 7. David, born 1875. 8. Mary, born 1877, and died in
1878. 9. Emma, born 1879. "O- I^^- born 1881. 11. Dorothea, born 1883.
The father, Nicholas Ritz, died in 1885 and the mother in 1886. Henry M.
Ritz received his education in the public schools and in 1890 came to Pittsburg
to work for the Pittsburg and Western Railroad Company and later learned
the carpenter's trade and became a contractor and general builder, which
avocation he still follows.
He was united in marriage in 1897 to Jennie Donnell, daughter of Mathew
442
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Donnell and wife, and the children born of this union are : Ruth, born Feb-
ruary i6, 1900; Henry Donnell, born December 29, 1903.
WALSH FAMILY. The Walsh family, of which this sketch treats, is
represented in Greater Pittsburg district by members connected with the pro-
fessions, industrial and agricultural pursuits. It was founded in America
by John Walsh, who was born in county Wexford, Ireland, 1794, and died in
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1850. After receiving his education in the schools
common to his day he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and in 1825 emi-
grated to America, settling in Pittsburg. He purchased a home on Fifth
avenue and engaged in the boot and shoe business. He manufactured custom
work and employed from four to six workmen in his shop, who were then
styled journeymen. At that early a date this was considered a large boot and
shoe shop. He was a man of more than ordinary business ability in his special
line of work ; he possessed a strong character and was much beloved by his
fellow workmen and the community at large. He was a man of integrity and
a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, contributing largely of his
time and means. He held membership in St. Paul's church, and when the old
building was erected contributed towards its construction. He also gave lib-
erally towards the building of the parochial school of Pittsburg. Politically
he was a stanch Democrat. The old home he occupied is still in the hands
of his descendants. Mr. Walsh married Miss Catherine Doyle, born at St.
Mullons, Ireland, and came to America with her father when aged fifteen
years. She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, and after a long,
well-spent life passed avi'ay in the eighty-seventh year of her age. The issue
of John and Catherine Walsh was as follows: i. John, deceased. 2. Joseph
B. 3. Moses P. 4. Richard. 5. Thomas, deceased. 6. Mary, deceased, wife
of James Gaufield. 7. Catherine, widow of Henry Kennedy. 8. Annie, de-
ceased, wife of John Ward. 9. Nellie, died young. 10. Agnes, died voung.
(II) Joseph B. Walsh, born 1827, second son of John and Catherine
Walsh, was born in Ohio and came to Pittsburg when but six weeks old.
He learned the trade of a leather currier and followed it about sixteen rears,
and was then in the employ of Jones and Laughlin, in the iron business for a
number of years, after which he retired. He is of the Roman Catholic faith
and in politics is a Democrat. Joseph B. Walsh married, in 1849, Bridget
Trainer, a native of New York state, born in 1823 and died in 1862. They
were the parents of the following children: i. Edward, deceased. 2. Marv,
deceased, wife of Robert Chesto, and they had three children. 3. Catherine,
wife of Mr. Charles. 4. John, of Toledo, Ohio, who married Catherine Resnill
and have seven children^— Joseph, John, Barnard, James, Mary, .Andrew and
Joseph. Joseph B. Walsh resides in Toledo, Ohio, with his son John.
(II) Moses P. Walsh, the third child in his parents' familv, was born on
the old homestead, on Fifth avenue, Pittsburg, September 21, 1829. He re-
ceived his education in the private and public schools of Pittsburg. When but
a young man he went to Arkansas, thinking he might like the country and
locate there, but after a few months returned and formed a partnership with
his brother Richard E. and engaged in the grocery trade, buying out the
stand of Thomas Geoghegon in South Pittsburg, where he operated for fifty
years, doing a prosperous business. All the business transacted by these two
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 443
brothers in all this long period of time was in company ; they were indeed true
partners and the firm was known as M. and R. Walsh. When they retired they
had been in business for a greater period than any firm in Pittsburg. They
accumulated much valuable property in what is now included in Greater Pitts-
burg. They built many residences on Mount Washington and the South Side.
In 1859 they purchased one of the most valuable tracts of land, consisting of
forty-five acres, in what is now Crafton, and there erected in 1868 two of the
handsomest residences in this section of the county, in which they both lived
side by side Imtil the brother, with whom he had been associated so many
vears. was called from earth. The attachment which grew up between these
two brothers was something of an exceptional nature and observed by the en-
tire community. Politically Mr. Walsh is of the old line Jefferson type of
Democracy. He served as burgess of Monongahela and was a justice of the
peace for five years." He is a member and devoted to the interests of St.
Philip's Roman Catholic church at Crafton. Being liberal and charitable, all
his life he has helped on every good cause in both church and state for the
betterment 'of the community in which he has lived so long. At the time of the
dedication of old St. Philip's church at Crafton in 1839, by Bishop Francis
Patrick Kenrick, of Philadelphia, he was an altar boy.
Mr. Walsh married, April 5, 1864, Mary Elizabeth Carron, born in Pitts-
burg in 1837, the ceremony being performed by Right Reverend Bishop Dom-
enec, of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Cathedral. She was the daughter of Lewis
Carron and wife. The father was a man of much note and taught the French
language, he being a Frenchman himself. The children born of this union
were as follows: i. Mary Josephine, born July 2, 1865, widow of James
Ledlie Gloninger, who were the parents of six children. 2. John L., born
September 13, 1869, married Alice Fetterman — no issue. They reside in Pitts-
burg, where he is engaged in the real estate business. 3. Louis Victor, born
August 18, 1872. He received a common school education and attended school
at Ebensburg and the Pittsburg College of the Holy Ghost. He began his
career as a clerk in the office of the Kelly & Jones Company, where he con-
tinued for six years, after which he accepted a position at clerical work with
Goff, Horner and Company in 1893, and is still with this concern, which is the
Pittsburg Shovel Company, he being the treasurer. He is interested in
other Pittsburg enterprises. He is connected with St. Philip's Catholic church
of Crafton and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, being in the Fourth de-
gree. Politically he is a Democrat. He married, November g, 1898, Miss
Cathryn O'Bryan, daughter of John D. and Sarah (McCuUough) O'Bryan
and granddaughter of Colonel Henry McCullough. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are
the parents of three children: i. Cathryn, born December 20, 1899. 2. Louis
\'ictor, Jr., born February 10, 1902. 3. Margaret Dallmyer, born May 25,
1904. The family reside on Ridge avenue, Crafton, Pennsylvania. 4. Richard
Ennis, Jr., born February 26, 1875 ; married Blanche Schlicker, and they have
one son, John L. 5. Alexes P., born April 22, 1877; married Nina Joyce,
and they have one daughter, Mary Joyce. 6. Agnes, born May 26, 1880, is
now the wife of Garrick O'Brien, and they have four children, Beatrice, Henri-
etta, Rose, Mary Agnes. 7. Henrietta, born September 15, 1884, at home.
(H) Richard Ennis Walsh, deceased, son of John and Catherine (Doyle)
Walsh, was born in the old homestead house on Fifth avenue, Pittsburg, in
1837, and died January 29, 1902. He was educated in the church and public
444 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
schools of his native city. In early life he formed a partnership with his
brother Moses P., embarking in the grocery business on the South Side. He
began this partnership when but thirteen years of age and continued until they
went out of trade. Perhaps no more truly confiding partnership ever existed
in this community, wherein two brothers were in trade a half century and
their large estates were never divided, but held and carried on as though but
one man's interest for all these years, and that without disagreement. At his
home his life shone in its most befitting traits of character, and after his death
the sorrow is still manifest both in the community as well as within his family.
He was of the Catholic faith and never shrank from any known duty in con-
tributing towards its support. He was for many years in charge of the Sun-
day-school. He was a director of the Orphans' Home, and in all that tended
to build up a community in virtue and industry he was excelled by none.
He was united in marriage, by Reverend Father Tracy, of St. Bridget's
Catholic church, to Jennie Fitzpatrick, in 1866. She was born in Ireland and
came to America when eighteen months old and was reared in Brooklyn, Kew
York. Her parents were John and Bridget (McLanahan) Fitzpatrick; the
former died in 1840, aged forty-eight years, and the latter died, aged eighty-
four years, in 1885. Her grandfather lived to be one hundred and eight years
of age. Mrs. \\'alsh came to Pittsburg in 1861, and is now the only survivor
of a family of eight — six daughters and two sons. They included : Anna,
Mary, Margaret, Sarah, Arthur and Hugh. Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Walsh
were the parents of the following children : Eleanor, Anna Mary, Sarah,
Arthur F., of whom further mention is made, Richard A., mentioned later,
Catherine, and four died in infancy.
(Ill) Dr. Arthur F. Walsh, eldest son of Richard Ennis and Jennie
(Fitzpatrick) Walsh, was born April 12, 1875, in Crafton, Pennsylvania. He
was educated at the Pittsburg College of the Holy Ghost, and later entered
the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1895,
graduating ;\Iay 17, 1899. He practiced for six years in Homestead, where
he built up a large practice, and at the end of that time, in 1904, removed to
Crafton, where he has since been a successful practitioner. The Doctor is a
member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society and the American Medical Association, also the Chartiers Val-
ley Medical Association. He is connected with the Fourth degree of the
Knights of Columbus, member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association and
is a member of St. Philip's Roman Catholic church.
He was united in marriage, October 29, 1901, to Miss Florence A. Kenny,
daughter of Anthony J. Kenny and wife. The subject and his wife are the
parents of two children: i. Mary Louise, born October 8, 1904. 2. Richard
Ennis, born May 28, 1907.
(Ill) Dr. Richard A. Walsh, sixth child and second son of Richard E.
and Jennie (Fitzpatrick) Walsh, was born August 18, 1880, at the old Walsh
homestead at Crafton, Pennsylvania. He obtained his primary education at
St. Philip's Catholic school and graduated from Pittsburg College of the Holy
Ghost. His early life was spent in his father's store, and after his father and
uncle retired from business the store was turned over to their sons Richard A.
and Richard E. Walsh; who conducted the same until 1900. Richard A. Walsh
then entered the dental department of the Western University of Pennsylvania,
graduating from the same in 1903, after which he opened an office at No. 9
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 445
Crafton avenue, Crafton, Pennsylvania. He has already secured a large prac-
tice in dental surgery. He is a member of St. Philip's Catholic church, a mem-
ber of Chartiers Council, Knights of Columbus, and is Grand Knight of that
body. He makes his home with his mother and sisters.
(HI) John Leo Walsh, son of Moses P. and Mary E. (Carron) Walsh,
was born September 13, 1869. He was educated in private schools taught
by Professor Ward, and later graduated from the Pittsburg College of the
Holy Ghost. Early in life he accepted a position as assistant to the buyer in
the firm of T. C. Jenkins, wholesale groceries. After two years there he en-
tered the employ of the Pittsburg and Fort Wayne Railroad Company, under
Edmond Yardley, superintendent of transportation, remaining there three years.
He then resigned and went to Old Mexico on a prospecting trip covering a
period of eighteen months, after which he returned to Pittsburg and was made
manager of repairs in the firm of Black & Baird, which concern was absorbed
by the Real Estate Trust Company in 1900, when Mr. Walsh was made head
of the sales department, which position he still holds. He is a capable business
man, thorough in all that he undertakes to accomplish. In religious matters
he is closely identified with St. Paul's Catholic Cathedral. He was one of the
charter members of Duquesne Council of Knights of Columbus, and is of the
Fourth degree. Politically he is a Democrat. He married, November 6,
1895, Reverend Father D. J. Malady, rector of Holy Rosary parish, Home-
wood, officiating, Miss Alice Grace Fetterman, who was born in Pittsburg,
June 8, 1874, daughter of Gilbert de Lafayette de Belan and Mary Augusta
(Gloninger) Fetterman.
The father of Mrs. Walsh, Gilbert de Lafayette de Belan Fettennan,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in May, 1824. When the Marquis de
Lafayette was visiting Pittsburg in 1824 he stood sponsor at the baptismal
font and gave him his name. The ceremony took place in the old Cathedral
in Pittsburg and was attended with much pomp, the Reverend Father McGuin
officiating. General Lafayette was driven there in a carriage, and the way was
strewn with flowers. Mr. Fetterman comes of an old and honored family of
much distinction. He was the son of Wilfried Washington and Constantine
de Belan Fetterman. Flis mother was the granddaughter of Baron de Belan,
who, until the death of Joseph H of Germany, was the ambassador of that
court to our government. Mr. Fetterman died on the morning of May 23,
1883, after having a large and lucrative practice at the Pittsburg bar. He
was united in marriage, June 8, 1868, to Miss Augusta Gloninger, of Balti-
more. (See Gloninger sketch.) Their issue was: i. Gilbert de Lafayette,
born October 20, 1870; died March 22, 1886. 2. Francis de Belan, born Sep-
tember I, 1872; died August, 1873. 3. Alice Grace, born June 8, 1874; mar-
ried November 6, 1895, to John Leo Walsh. 4. Ernest Anthony, born June
19, 1877; died August 3, 1877.
Mr. Fetterman was well and favorably known through the legal circles
of Pennsylvania as an attorney of ability and strictest integrity. His education
was completed at St. Mary's College, at Emmitsburg, Maryland, after which
he entered the legal profession, studying under Loomis and Metcalf and N. P.
Fetterman, Esq. He was admitted to the Allegheny county bar in 1850 and
continued to practice with his uncle until the death of the latter and until his
own illness and death. He was a wise and judicious counsellor and possessed
a spotless character. He crowned all other excellences by a devotion to re-
446 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
ligious duties, which was altogether free from parade. Equable in temper and
polite in manners, he made no enemies and gave no offense to his fellow-
men. He was a devoted Roman Catholic and was the private legal advisor of
Bishop O'Connor. He gave freely of time and money to the upbuilding of
the Catholic church in America. It was his father who gave the land upon
which stood Pittsburg's first Cathedral — old St. Paul's. In all relations of
life both the father and son exemplified the true Christian spirit. The tribute
paid to Mr. Fetterman by the Pittsburg Bar Association was indeed a true
expression of the sentiment in all western Pennsylvania. One of the resolu-
tions passed by the bar was as follows :
"That no tribute we can pay to his integrity and worth will be fully the
measure of our esteem. His connection with our company of attorneys has
been marked with wisdom, charity and goodness."
E. GARRICK O'BRYAN, one of the representative citizens of Greater
Pittsburg, salesman for the Real Estate Trust Company, of Pittsburg (of
which he is one of the members), was born in Radnor, Delaware county, Penn-
sylvania, April 19, 1880, son of J. Duross and Sarah A. (McCuUough)
O'Bryan.
When three years of age his parents moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico,
and he attended the Jesuit College until ten years old. They then moved
to Denver, Colorado, where he attended public school from 1890 to 1894, when
they returned east and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; but in 1895,
after a short residence in that city, located in Pittsburg. He supplemented his
early knowledge by attendance at the College of the Holy Ghost and Shady
Side Academy, after which he studied music in the city of Paris, becoming
an accomplished musician. In 1901 he entered the employ of the Real Estate
Trust Company, of Pittsburg, as a solicitor, and is now (1907) salesman for
the same in addition to membership in the company. He is the owner of valu-
able real estate in Pittsburg, and his residence, 5600 Bartlett street, given
him by his father, is equipped with all modern appliances for the comfort of
its inmates. He is a member of St. Paul's Cathedral, member of Knights of
Columbus, East End Lodge, and a Democrat in political belief.
E. Garrick O'Bryan married, November 5, 1901, Agnes M. Walsh, born
May 26, 1880, daughter of Moses P. Walsh. The ceremony was performed
by Rev. Father Kelty. rector of St. Philip's Church, of Crofts, Pennsylvania.
Children : Mary Beatrice, born in Pennsylvania, October 20, 1902 ; Henrietta,
born in Pennsylvania, June 20, 1904 ; Rosemary, born in Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, October 22, 1905; Agnes M., born in Pittsburg, August 17, 1907.
ALEXIS PAUL WALSH, fourth son and fifth child of Moses P. and
Mary Elizabeth (Carron) Walsh, was born on the homestead at Grafton, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1879. His primary education was
acquired in the private schools of Crafton, Pennsylvania, and Emmitsburg,
Maryland, and this was supplemented by attendance at Mount Saint Mary's
College at the latter named place. He engaged in the contracting business,
being connected with the firm of W. W. Hagerman & Company for a period
of four years. He then spent two years in Chicago, Illinois, contracting with
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 447
the firm of John L. Nelson & Company, and in 1904 entered the employ of
the Pittsburg Brass Manufacturing Company at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in
the capacity of bookkeeper, and has since been promoted to the offices of chief
bookkeeper and paymaster of the company. He is interested in various enter-
prises that tend to the advancement and welfare of his adopted city, and is the
possessor of considerable valuable real estate. He is a member of St. Philip's
Roman Catholic Church of Crafton, and in his boyhood days served as altar
boy. He is a Republican in politics.
Mr. Walsh married, December 15, 1904, Nina Marion Joyce, born at
Carney, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Annie (Conley) Joyce. They
are the parents of one child. M. Joyce Walsh, born August 10, 1906. The
familv reside in Crafton.
THE BAUM FAMILY, This family traces its history to Christian
Baum, who was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. His wife, Mar-
garet (Darr) Baum, was a native of Virginia. They resided in Baltimore,
JMaryland, where all of their children were born.
(I) Christian Baum was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as was also
his father. After the termination of that struggle for national independence
Christian Baum became a contractor and builder at the city of Baltimore, and
was highly successful in his calling. He was the father of several children,
one of whom, William Penn Baum, came to Pittsburg.
(H) William Penn Baum was born in Baltimore, Maryland, June 6,
1800, and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 30, 1867. When he came
to Pittsburg he was but twelve years of age ; he came with a friend of his
father, Charles Volz, who was one of the influential men of those early times
in Pittsburg. He remained with Mr. Volz for a number of years, attending
night schools and working days in Mr. \'olz's office. Later he was engaged
in the manufacturing business on Wood street. After this business experience
he went into the toy business on what is now known as Sixth street, where he
was at the time of his death. He was a very active man in the commercial
affairs of the city, being a director in the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Na-
tional Bank from its organization until his death. He labored to build up the
city in every possible manner and stood high among his fellow citizens. He
was an ardent Abolitionist and was among the active factors in the Republican
party upon its formation, with which he ever afterwards voted. In his re-
ligious faith he was an Episcopalian, and was one of the founders of the East
End Calvary church, in which he served as a vestryman.
He married. May 10, 1832, Rebecca Roup, daughter of John and Kitt>
( Winebiddle) Roup. (See Roup sketch in this work.) They were the parents
of twelve children, ten of whom attained maturity; all were bom in the old
Roup homestead house where the mother was born: i. John Roup, born No-
vember 8, 1833 ; died February 8, 1906. He followed farming for an occu-
pation. He married Sophia Landwehr, born in Pittsburg, the daughter of
Henry and Amelia Dakin Landwehr. Mrs. John R. Baum is still living. The
children of this union were: William Penn, born March 31, 1870, married Ellen
Ferguson — -no issue ; Rebecca, who married John McGrady : Amelia Henri-
etta; Sophia; Gertrude, married Dr. Howard Arthurs, and they had one child
■ — 'John Baum Arthurs ; Kate Johnston. 2. Charles Volz Baum, born August
448 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
12, 1835 ; died February 23, 1900. He was a literary man and never mar-
ried. 3. Kittie Winebicidle Baiim, born Aug-ust 3, 1837; died June 5, 1840.
4. Frederick Konig Baum, born September 9, 1839, married Alice Baum, and
by this union was born one child — Albert Sticff Baum, born in Baltimore, mar-
ried Effye Smith and has two children — Albert and Alice. 5. Henry
Schwoeppe, bom July 5, 1841, married Henrietta Billings, of South Deer-
field. Alassachusetts. 6. Jonas Horr Baum, born January 5, 1844, unmarried.
7. Kate Johnston Baum, born November 25, 1845, married September 17,
1891, Dr. G. M. Shillito, who was born November 2, 1840, in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, son of George and Elizabeth (Anderson) Shillito. He was
educated at Jefferson Medical College, where he graduated, since which time
he has been engaged in practice at Allegheny City with much success. Politi-
cally he is a Republican. 8. Richard Beatty Baum, born January 28, 1847,
unmarried. 9. James Negley Baum, born February 6, 1850, unmarried. 10.
William Winebiddle Baum. born April 10, 1852; married November 23, 1892,
Susanna Winebiddle Brown, daughter of William and Olive M. (Winebiddle)
Brown, she also being the granddaughter of Philip and Susanna (Roup) Wine-
biddle. The children by this union were Olive W., Paul J. and Charles V.
II. Gertrude Roup Baum, born April 14, 1854; died October 17, 1855. 12.
George R. White Baum, born December 7, 1856; married, in 1889, Alice
Hemphill, bom in Pittsburg, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Fink)
Hemphill, whose sketch appears elsewhere. The former died in August and
the later in February, 1900. The issue of Mr. and Mrs. George R. White
Baum was: Georgia H. ; Alden FI. ; Donald H. Mr. Baum was educated in
Pittsburg and inherited property, which he ably handles, and is a director in
the Macintosh Implement Manufacturing Company. He attends the Methodist
church and is a staunch supporter of the Republican party. He has served on
the city council for two terms.
U. J. LINCOLN PEOPLES, among the most skilled architects in Greater
Pittsburg, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1865, the
son of William and Elizabeth (Taylor) Peoples.
The father, William Peoples, now deceased, was a man of prominence.
He was born in Mount Lebanon, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1833,
and died in 1896. He was the son of Hugh Peoples, of IMount Lebanon. He
received a good public school education and afterward mastered the trade of
a stair-builder in Pittsburg. He came to be known as one of the best in his
line in all this vicinity, and followed it for over forty years, conducting an
extensive business, with his works and office in Allegheny City, but whose work
covered a large area of territory. Fie was a diligent student in architecture
and compiled a work on the same, known as "Peoples' Pocket Stair-Builder
and Carpenter's Hand-book." This book is in common use to-day. In his
declining years he associated himself with his son, U. J. Lincoln Peoples,
as the superintendent of the son's business. He was an active member in
the Methodist Episcopal church and served as a member of the board of trus-
tees many years. Politically he was a supporter of the Republican party. He
owned considerable property at the time of his death.
He married Miss Elizabeth Taylor, born in Allegheny City. Bv this
union were born ten children, of whom the following are now living: Emma,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 449
wife of Joseph Williams, of Pittsburg- : the mother of one daughter — E. Otho,
of Brooklyn, New York, married and has a family. U. J. L., subject. Carrie,
wife of John Elser, of Los Angeles, California. Ida, wife of Joseph Wallace,
of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, and the mother of three children.
U. J. Lincoln Peoples, subject, received his primary education in the public
schools of Allegheu}- City, and later graduated from the University of Illi-
nois, at Urbana, with the class of i8go, in architecture. He then spent two
years in the employ of Burnham and Root, noted architects of Chicago, who
executed much of the work connected with the World's Fair buildings. After
he finished his work in Chicago he took charge of an office in Memphis,
Tennessee, for C. C. Burks, and later went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and re-
mained for a time at his profession. He then came to Pittsburg and engaged
in business for himself. His office is situated in the Times building, corner
of Smithfield and Fourth avenue. He has executed plans for nine-tenths of
the school buildings in his county, many of which have been built to stand as
monuments to his skill, and ' among which may here be enumerated : The
Home school building, in the Fourteenth ward of Pittsburg ; the Allegheny
Si.xth ward school ; Larimer school ; Monongahela Trust building, etc. He
makes a specialty of asylums and courthouses, large business houses and resi-
dences. Perhaps no man in his profession is better known and stands higher
for the excellence of his workmanship as an up-to-date architect than Mr.
Peoples. He is a member of the East Liberty Presbyterian church, corner
of Penn and Highland avenues. In politics he is a Republican, but never
takes an active part, simply exercising his right of franchise. He was made
a Mason by Davage Lodge Xo. 374, F. and A. M., and is a past worshipful
master of that body. He also belongs to Cyrus Chapter No. 280, and Chartiers
Commandery No. 78.
Mr. Peoples was united in marriage, September 16, 1891, to Emma D.
Utz, born in Cincinnati, Ohio. To them have been born : Edith Virginia, born
in Allegheny City, December 9, 1896, and \J. J. Lincoln, Jr., born December
26, I goo.
HERAIAN H. JANSSEN, general foreman of the electrical department
of the Union Switch and Signal Company, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is an
excellent example of what determination, energy and force of character are
able to accomplish.
Peter Janssen, M. D., father of Plerman H. Janssen, was born in Xanten,
Germany, August 10, i8og, and died in Essen, in the same country, April 8,
1878.. He was probably of Swedish descent and inherited the studious habits
of the people of Sweden. He became greatly attached to Germany and served
as a soldier in the German army. He acquired distinction as a physician, and
his opinion was of weight in medical as well as other professional circles.
He was a devoted member of tlie Roman Catholic, church. He married, at the
age of twenty-four years, in 1834. Johanna Boel, born March 25, 1813, and
died ^larch 28, 1878, and they were the parents of eight children: i. Theo-
dore, deceased, migrated to Iowa, and is unmarried. 2. John, deceased,
married, and raised a family of seven children, all of whom are still in Ger-
many. 3. W^illiam, a contractor, residing in Iowa, married and has one adopted
daughter. 4. \'ictor, also a contractor in Iowa, is married and has several
45°
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
children. 5. Johanna, married Henry Kurtz, deceased, of Iowa, and is the
mother of several children. 6. Henr_v, died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Janu-
ary 3, 1902, leaving a widow and five children. 7. Peter, a twin of Henry,
died at birth. 8. Herman H., see below.
Herman H. Janssen, son of Dr. Peter and Johanna (Boel) Janssen, was
born in Xanten, Germany, July 3, 1856. He attended the public and high
schools in his native country, being graduated from the latter institution with
honor. At the age of fifteen years he accepted a position in the Krupp Gun
Works as an apprentice, and served four years in the various departments.
He then traveled for a time in Germany, working in some of the largest manu-
factories for three years in order to acquire all possible knowledge of the sub-
ject of manufacture. He then returned to the Krupp Company, entering the
electrical department, and was advanced to the position of assistant foreman,
a position he held for about three years. During this time some of his brothers
and sisters emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania and Iowa. Al-
though his position was an exceptionally advantageous one, Mr. Janssen finally
yielded to a desire he had long entertained and followed the other members
of his family to this country. He set out on his voyage to the United States
with a number of friends, among them being the lady who later became his
wife. He located in Riceville, which is now (1907) a part of Pittsburg. He
found suitable employment with Smith & Company in First avenue, where he
was engaged in the making of glass molds, and from thence went to a brass
foundry for a short time. He entered the employ of the Union Switch and
Signal Company August 13, 1881, as a toolmaker in the electrical department,
and was put in charge of that branch in 1800, and was later advanced to the
position he holds at the present time. When he took charge the department
gave employment to sixty hands, while now (1907) there are seven hundred
men employed in it, and there are thirteen assistant foremen. Mr. Janssen
celebrated his twenty-fifth anniversary of his connection with the company
August 13, 1906, and the men in his department presented him with a gold
watch and a- locket set with a diamond stud. He is exceedingly popular with
the men over whom he has control, as must needs be the case where a sense of
justice and liberal ideas are the guiding influence. He is also highly esteemed
by all the officials of the company. He is an active member of the Knights of
St. George, rnd of St. Peter and St. Paul's Roman Catholic church. He
owns a beautiful home at No. 6310 Bond street, in the Nineteenth ward, Pitts-
burg, in which he resides with his family.
He married. February 11, 1882, Marie Boel, born in Xanten, Germany.
She came to America on the same vessel which bore her future husband, and
her parents and the other members of her family followed later. Mr. and
Mrs. Janssen have had eleven children: i. Marie, born October 9, 1882: mar-
ried, June 18, 1907, Jacob Dei, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. 2. Elizabeth,
born Mary 25, 1884 ; was married to Edward C. Shoning, of New York
City, February 21, 1906, and has one son, Edward, Jr. 3. Herman, Jr., born
October 31, 1885. 4. Helene, born January 22, 1888. 5. William, born July
3, 1890. 6. Bernard, born May 24, 1892. 7. Theodore, bom October 22,
1893. 8. Louis, born May 9, 1895. 9- Katherine, born November 30, i8q8.
10. Amelia, born August 27. 1900; died October 14, 1906. 11. Albert, born
June 14, 1902. On the nth of February, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Janssen cele-
brated their "silver wedding," twenty-fifth anniversary of their married life.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 451
BRYCE FAMILY. The high position which the United States occupies
at the present day in commercial, financial and industrial circles is largely
due to those habits of thrift, industry and perseverance which were brought to
this country by the earlier settlers, among whom the history of the Bryce
family is not least worthy of mention. Thev are of Scotch extraction, and the
various members have displayed unusual characteristics of energy and enter-
prise.
James Bryce, of the old firm of Bryce Brothers, was born in the stewardry
of Kirkcudbright, in the southwestern part of Scotland, November 5, 1812, and
came to this country with his parents when he was six years of age, so that
he may practically be considered as having spent his life in America. They
resided in Philadelphia for a period of two years, and then removed to Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, a journey which consumed three weeks at that time. They
traveled in the old style Conestoga wagon, in which the majority of the emi-
grants of that day found homes in the west. This journey was of such inter-
est to young Bryce that many years later he spent a vacation in traveling over
this ground and recalling events which had almost assumed a dreamlike recol-
lection. Soon after becoming domiciled in Pittsburg, James was apprenticed
to learn the manufacture of glass with Bakewell, Page & Bakewell, on the pres-
ent site of the Baltimore and Ohio depot. At that time this was the only es-
tablishment of the kind west of Boston, Massachusetts, except one small fac-
tory at Wellsburg. which was not operated more than half the time. The
factory with which young Bryce was apprenticed was not in operation all the
time, as the market for their wares was an uncertain one. They would load
their goods on flatboats. which were run down the river, touching at the princi-
pal settlements, and bringing back various other goods, which were then dis-
posed of in Pittsburg. A small amount of their product was sent to Baltimore,
Maryland, on the empty freight wagons which had brought other goods to the
city, but this was too expensive a manner of shipping glassware to be used
extensively. James Bryce was ten years of age when he commenced to work
at this occupation, and, comniencing at the lowest rung of the ladder, he
learned the business thoroughly in all its details, and steadily worked his way
to the top. At the expiration of -his term of service he comm.enced work as a
journeyman, and was steadily occupied for a period of eighteen years. The
glass works were shut down during the hard times of 1840, and ^Ir. Bryce
engaged in the grocery business, establishing himself in Liberty street. At
the end of four years he determined to return to the glass business, in which
he continued from that time. In the year of the great fire in Pittsburg, 1845,
he entered the employ of Mulvany & Ledlie, who were then manufacturing
glass on the South Side, and five years later made the great business start of
his life. He was the most prominent and active among a number of men
forming a company for the manufacture of glass under the firm name of
Bryce, McKee & Company, each of them taking charge of the branch with
which he was best acquainted. They located their works in what was then
Birmingham, now the South Side and a part of Pittsburg. \'arious changes
have taken place in the name of the firm and the ownership of the works.
They are as follows : Bryce, McKee & Company ; Bryce, Richards & Com-
pany ; Bryce, Walker & Company ; and Bryce Brothers. The establishment
is the oldest one of its kind in Pittsburg, and Mr. James Bryce was the active
head of the concern for many years. For a time he was also interested in a
452 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
number of other business ventures, but gradually withdrew from these, de-
voting his entire time to what he considered his life work and for which he
was best fitted. In later years, however, he allowed much of the work and
responsibility to devolve upon younger shoulders under his super\dsion.
During the Civil war he was for a time active in political matters, as he
thought he was best serving the Union cause in that manner, and at one time
was a burgess of Birmingham, but otherwise kept aloof from public and politi-
cal afifairs. He paid a visit to his native land in 1876, and was a close observer
of the many changes which half a century had wrought. He was connected
with the United Presbyterian church for more than fifty years, worshiping in
the United Presbyterian church of Pittsburg, of which Rev. W. J. R^id is
pastor, and of which he was an elder for many years. Mr. Bryce died March
8, 1893, deeply regretted by a large circle of friends as well as a loving family.
One of his brothers was John Bryce, formerly of the firm of Bni'ce, Higbee &
Company, of Homestead, Pennsylvania, who died August 3, 1888; another
brother was Robert D. Bryce, who died February 7, 1906.
Mr. James Bryce married Elizabeth Haugh, born in Scotland, and died
in America, September 20, 1888. She came to America with her parents in
childhood, and all her life was spent in Pittsburg, where they had settled.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryce had children : John P., deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Andrew
H., of Mount Pleasant, F'ennsylvania ; Robert G., deceased; David K., de-
ceased ; Agnes, deceased ; James McDonald, resides in Mount Pleasant, Penn-
sylvania ; S. Allan, living in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania ; Frank Gordon ; and one
child who died in infancy.
The first two named, A. H. and J. McDonald, carry on the glass business
at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, under the name of the Bryce Bros. Com-
pany. The last two, S. Allan and Frank G., are connected with the United
States Glass Company, of Pittsburg.
MAJOR ROBERT M. SNODGRASS, deceased, one of the former con-
trollers of Pittsburg, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 5,
1837, and died February 9, 1897. His was indeed a noble character, the out-
line of which is highly appropriate in this collection of memoirs of men who
have made Pittsburg what it is to-day.
Major Snodgrass obtained his education at the private schools, his parents,
Robert and Nancy (Dodds) Snodgrass, taking great interest in their son's
education. In early life he learned the druggist's business and subsequently
followed this line both in Pittsburg and Allegheny City. He retired in 1873,
at which time he was elected as city controller of Pittsburg. At one time he
dealt in real estate, but never made that a specialty. Politically he was a Re-
publican, and served as a member of the state legislature during the eighties,
and represented the Seventh ward of his city two or three terms as council-
man. His winsome w^ys won for him many friends and admirers, both in
public and private life.
Concerning his military career the records show that he enlisted as a hos-
pital steward July 22, 1861, in the Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Regiment; was promoted to quartermaster January 20, 1862, with the rank of
major, and was mustered out of service with his regiment May 12, 1864,
having participated in the Peninsula campaign, including the engagements at
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 453
Antietam, Fredericksburg. Gaines' Mill and Bull Run. He was an enthusiastic
supporter of the Grand Army of the Republic and ever a friend of his com-
rades.
Of his domestic relations it may be stated that he married, June 27, 1869,
Miss Mary Swartz, who died May 13, 1878, their marriage ceremony being
performed by Rev. John R. Agnew. Mrs. Snodgrass' father was George
Simpson Swartz, an own cousin of President U. S. Grant, while her mother's
maiden name was Olivia Wright. The children born to Major Snodgrass and
wife were: Aliss Nancy B. D. Snodgrass, now residing at 5431 Stanton
avenue, Pittsburg, and a son named Don Rodman, who died in infancy.
Major Snodgrass' brothers and sisters were as follows: i. Elizabeth J.,
deceased. 2. Martha Black, deceased, wife of Rev. S. F. Grier. D. D. 3.
James H., deceased, who was a prominent physician and died in Pittsburg
in 1885.
Major Snodgrass died February 9, 1897, aged sixty-one years, and was
buried in the Homewood cemetery, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was
a member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity, advanced to a Knight Templar, in which
order he took much interest.
Of his mother, Mrs. Nancy (Dodd) Snodgrass, it was written at the time
of her death: "Mrs. Nancy (Dodd) Snodgrass, mother of Dr. James H. and
Major Robert M. Snodgrass, died at her residence on Congress street, this
city, last Sunday evening, at an advanced age. The deceased was a most
estimable lady, discharging her duties in every relation in life with that fidelity
and devotion which characterizes the true Christian woman. She was con-
nected with a number of the most respected and influential families of this
county, and her death will be sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends.
Having lived a life of practical piety and benevolence, her deeds of love and
charity will render her memory forever fragrant in the hearts of all who came
within the sphere of her influence."
On the death of Major Snodgrass' wife, Mary (Swartz) Snodgrass, the
following appeared in the daily paper, respecting her noble character :
"Those who knew her best were her dearest friends, for she entwined
like an ivy, a grateful remembrance around the hearts of her companions ; a
cherished wife she became the gladness of love on a happy household ; a kind,
affectionate daughter and sister, none to her could attribute the cause of the
most trivial grief. Her mission on earth is ended, and her soul of Christian
beauty adorns the mansions of the blest. Farewell. Here below you learned
the way to heaven, and death after all was but the taking away of a mortal
flower to bloom anew in eternity."
CHARLES L. ZOLLINGER, proprietor of the transfer and storage busi-
ness at Brushton, Pittsburg, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, July
17, 1863, and was educated at the schools of Pittsburg. He then worked for
twenty years in his father's brick yard, as its general superintendent. In 1896
he removed to Brushton, where he engaged in the general transfer business.
Politically Mr. Zollinger supports the Republican party, and has been the coun-
cilman from his ward since 1896 — four terms on the common council and is
now on the select council. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order. Lodge
No. 1 107, of Brushton, Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Homewood
454 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Methodist Episcopal church. He was married to Anna R. Jeffries, and has
two sons deceased, and his wife died in 1896. He afterward married May E.,
a daughter of Jesse and Sarah Youngs.
Of Mr. ZoIHnger's parentage it may be stated that his father, Louis
Zollinger, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and engaged in
the manufacture of brick, continuing until 1897, when he retired from business.
He married Mary J. Bartley, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and the children
born to them were: i. Charjes L. Zollinger, born July 17, 1863. 2. Harry
E. 3. Nettie (Zollinger) Morris. 4. Walter R. 5. Bertha (Zollinger) Law-
yer. 6. Lucy (Zollinger) McGinnis. 7. Cora (Zollinger) Aiken. The
mother died in 1874.
ALEXANDER W. HENRY, one of the expert and highly successful
plumbers of Pittsburg, was born in Vermont, in 1869, and came to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, in 1870, with his parents. He was educated in the public schools
of Pittsburg, and in 1884 began the plumbing business with another, and in
1893 opened up his own plumbing establishment, which he still conducts in a
most successful manner. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belongs
to St. John's Blue Lodge, No. 219; Chilo Chapter, No. 257, and Pittsburg
Knights Templar Commandery, No. i. He married Annie Eliza, daughter of
William Palmer and wife, of Pittsburg.
His father, Alexander Plenry, was a native of Ireland, born in 1841, and
came to Vermont in 1849. He followed farming there, and married, January
25, 1867, Mary Jane, daughter of William and Mary Henry. By this union
were born Alexander W., aforementioned, and Mary Elizabeth, born in 1867.
Alexander Henry died in 1869.
Of Mrs. Henry's people it should be said in this connection that her
father, William Palmer, was bom in Ireland in 1841 and came to Pittsburg in
1859. He held a position on the Pittsburg police force for twenty-five years.
He married Elizabeth McCurdy, by whom was born the following children :
William L., deceased; Annie E. (Mrs. Henry) ; Mary; Alexander; Margaret,
deceased ; Margaret ; Job ; John ; Samuel ; Julia, deceased ; Robert. The father
of this family died in 1902.
JOHN V. CRATZ, a native born German, well known in Pittsburg in
business circles, especially in the hotel and restaurant business, was born De-
cember 24, 1844, in Germany, and was there educated in the schools common
to his fatherland. Early in life he wisely chose a trade, that of a cooper, and
also worked at the brewing business as well. In 1867. thinking to better his
circumstances, he emigrated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and found employ-
ment on the farms so favorably known and so highly productive of all that
agriculture in Pennsylvania affords. But before the year had gone by he saw
visions of the land farther to the west and decided to see the country be_vond
the Allegheny mountains and hence found his way to Pittsburg. Here he
spent six years with John Gangwisch, who introduced the first foreign beer to
this part of the country. In 1878 he embarked in the restaurant business,
which he sold out in 1884 and went into the wholesale beer trade in Sixth
PITTSDUKG AND HER PEOPLE 455
street, Pittsburg, removing to the East End in 1885. He is now engaged in
the hotel business in Homewood, that pretty suburb of Pittsburg.
Mr. Cratz was united in marriage to Katherine Lober, by whom were born
these children: i. John, bom January, 1875, died March 9, 1906. 2. William,
born July 4, 1877, died July 24, 1903. 3. Henry. 4. John H. 5. Margaret
(Cratz) Altenhoff. 6. Charles, bom June 15, 1886.
Mr. Cratz' father, Thomas Cratz, was bom in Germany and was a miller
by occupation. He was elected mayor of his town for three terms. He mar-
ried Philipine Nickolay and their children were: Joseph, John V'., Barahart,
Clara Alowese and Frederick. The father of this family died in 1882 and the
mother in 1876.
JOHN WILLIAM GREAVES, who is engaged in the wholesale con-
fectionery business at Brushton, Pittsburg, was for many years a retail dealer
at this point. He was born October 14, 1863, in Lancashire, England, and
came to America in 1870, residing at Camden, New Jersey, where he obtained
his education largely. After leaving school he set his mind on steady, hard
work, wishing to achieve something in life. At first he found employment at
coal mining, which he followed for three years. He spent the next seven
years as a clerk in a general merchandising store, coming to Brushton in
1888, when he engaged in merchandising on his own account, continuing until
the hard times of 1893, which caused him to close up his business. In 1900 he
again began business in the wholesale confectionery trade, which he still fol-
lows, having met with most excellent success. Mr. Greaves belongs to Cap
Sheaf Conclave. Independent Order Heptasophs, and is an Odd Fellow, be-
longing to Brushton Lodge No. 1107. In church relations he is identified
as a member with the Homewood Avenue Presbyterian church. He married
Sadie Woods, daughter of John Alexander Woods and wife, of Bridgeville.
The issue by this union was: George Alexander, bom January 15, 1892;
Lloyd Seward, bom January 30, 1893.
Cornelius Greaves, father of John W. Greaves, was a native of England,
born December i, 1834, and followed mining all of his life. He married Ann
Butterworth, and to them were bom these children : Mary Elizabeth, Jennie,
Sarah A., Hannah, Travis, Herbert, John William, above mentioned.
John H. Alexander, father of Airs. Greaves, was born on a farm near
Bridgeville, and was a farmer of that section of the country. He married
Lavinia Nesbit and their children were : Sadie W., Margaret, Jane, Elizabeth,
Hannah, George M., Lavinia, Mary, Alatilda, .-Vnna Goiter, Salina Frances
and Ella C. The father died November 5, 1897. and the mother April, 1891.
DR. HENRY A. EARNHARDT, a member of the medical profession in
the city of Pittsburg, in active practice in the Thirty-seventh ward, and enjoy-
ing a large patronage as a result of his skillful treatment of disease, is a
native of Millerstown, Butler county, Pennsylvania, born August 12, 1869, a
son of Jacob and Elizabeth Bamhardt. who were the parents of three other
children, as follows : John, deceased ; Sarah Loretta, died at the age of ten
years ; J. Russell, engaged in tlie drug business at Harmony with his father.
Jacob Barnhardt (father) was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1844.
He was engaged in farming for many years, relinquishing this occupation to
456 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
engage in the drug business at Harmony, Pennsylvania, in which he is at
present interested.
Dr. Henry A. Earnhardt attended the schools of his neighborhood, acquir-
ing a practical education, which was supplemented by attendance at the Uni-
versity of Wooster, Ohio. He then entered the Medical Chirurgical College of
Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Doc-
tor of Medicine in 1897. The year following his graduation he spent at his
alma mater, thereby greatly increasing his store of medical lore, and the fol-
lowing year served in the Spanish-American war, holding the rank of lieu-
tenant. In 1 901 he located in the Thirty-seventh ward of Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, where he is at present residing, and during his years of successful
practice has gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow practitioners as
well as of his patients. He is a member of the staff of the Pittsburg Free
Dispensary. Dr. Earnhardt married Blanche Startsman, daughter of Arthur
Startsman, of Tiffin, Ohio. Children: Harry D., born ]\Iay 12, 1903. Mar-
jorie L., born September 9, 1905.
GEORGE RICHMOND BAILEY, claim agent for the Pittsburg Rail-
road, was born in Richmond, Virginia, August 4, 1865, and educated in the
public schools and at Oberlin College. Ohio. He came to Pittsburg in 1871.
He married Sadie, daughter of John Montague, and by such union the issue
is: Mary, Thomas, Nellie, Leslie and George.
Thomas F. Bailey, father of George R. Bailey, born in Woodfield, Ohio,
in 1838, was engaged in a wholesale business in Pittsburg for thirty-five years.
He married Emma Williamson, by whom was born the following children :
Nellie, Jessie, Frank, Thomas, Rogers, Bruce, Leslie and Joseph.
JOHN H. BRADLEY, the well-known tailor oi Pittsburg from about
1880 to 1900, and now retired, was born in Ribsten, England, son of
and Jane (Brown) Bradley. The date of his birth was March 20, 1840. His
father was also a native of England and a farmer by occupation. Children of
and Jane Bradley : Sarah, John H., Mary, William, Anna, Jennie.
John H. Bradley was reared in England and received a good education at
the parochial schools of his native place, after which he was apprenticed to
learn the tailoring business, which consumed seven years of his life. When he
attained the age of twenty-one years he went to London, England, working as
a journeyman tailor. He then followed the business of tailoring for seven
years longer. He attended a workman's college in the meantime and studied
French. In 1867 he went to Paris, France, for the purpose of perfecting him-
self in the French dialect. After two years in Paris. France, he returned to
England and in 1870 came to the United States. He remained in New York
City tliree years, and then went west and became a cutter at Aurora, Illinois,
where he continued until 1874, when he came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Here he was in the employ of Oppenheimer & Company, which fimi he bought
out in 1880 and continued in business twenty years, when he sold and retired
to a farm in the Twenty-first ward, where he still lives. Mr. Bradley was
united in marriage to Anna M. Frederick, by whom was born Jennie D. Brad-
ley, now a member of the Twentieth Century Club, the Musical Club and
Kingsley House Institution.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 457
LEMUEL VERNON ROCKWELL, the present purchasing agent for
the American Sheet and Tin-plate Company, was born in Wheeling, West
Virginia, February 15, 1871, son of Leonard C. and Sallie C. (Welch) Rock-
well.
The father was born in Jackson, Ohio, and was engaged in the LTnited
States mail service many years at Wheeling. In 1861 he enlisted in the Eighth
Independent Ohio Regiment of Sharpshooters. He was promoted to sergeant,
and honorably discharged at the close of the war. He married Sallie C. Welch,
bv whom was born the following children : Lemuel V., William Bennett and
Myrtle. The last two are both deceased. Leonard C. Rockwell, the father,
was killed in a railroad accident near Dodge City, Kansas, February 10, 1881.
After a short illness, at Wheeling, West Virginia, the mother of the subject
died.
Lemuel \'. Rockwell was educated in the common and high schools, after
which he was employed as a clerk for one year with McComway, &
Company. He then entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company, with whom he continued for eight years, then went with the Pitts-
burgh Coal Company, where he was engaged between two and three years.
In March, 1902, he engaged with the American Sheet and Tin-plate Company,'
and is now their purchasing agent. He is a member of the Knights of Malta
and is sir knight commander. He is also a member of the Elks at Allegheny,
Lodge No. 339, and the Knights of Maccabees. He was married March 28^
1894, to Laura, daughter of Daniel Stuart and wife, of Pittsburg. They are
the parents of one child, Jessie Stuart, born January 2, 1895.
CHARLES NEWTON GILL, who was a soldier in the late Spanish-
American war, was born in Wilkins township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
February 12, 1880, the son of Rowan and Elizabeth (Patterson) Gill. His
youth was spent like most of the lads of his neighborhood. He attended the
common schools of his native township and then entered the Military Academy
of Pittsburg. After leaving that school he was employed in the structural iron
business for one year, and April 27, 1898, at the opening of the Spanish-
American war, was called into service. He received his discharge at Somer-
ville. South Carolina, February 28, 1899, ^"d September 9 of that year re-
enlisted, serving in the Philippines, and again discharged, September 14, 1900.
February 28, 1903, he enlisted in the Coast Artillery and was retained in the
general recruiting service, with headquarters at Little Rock, Arkansas, where
he received his final discharge January 9, 1904. After leaving the army he
came to Munroeville, Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming and poultry busi-
ness, which he still follows in a successful manner. He removed to Homewood
February, 1904. Mr. Gill was married to Agnes M., daughter of Joseph A.
Becker, of Wilkinsburg. Pennsylvania.
Mr. Gill's father was born in Munroeville, Pennsylvania, and followed
farming and contracting. He married Elizabeth Patterson, by whom the fol-
lowing children were born : John, deceased ; Charles N.. mentioned above ;
Nellie M., bom November 4. 1881. The father died December 23, 1886, and
the mother in 1884.
458 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
HOWARD L. HUBLEY, a real estate dealer residing in the Twenty-first
ward of the city of Pittsburg, was born in that city July 12, 1864, son of Jacob
B. and Rebecca T. (Eicholtz) Hubley.
Jacob B. Hubley was engaged in the confectionery business in the New
Library Hall building, in Pittsburg. He married Rebecca T. Eicholtz, by
whom was born the following children: i. Howard L., of whom later. 2.
Samuel B., born January, 1866. 3. Jennie, became the wife of Jones.
4. Katharine E., married — Gleffer. Jacob B. Hubley died August 24,
1891. His wife, Mrs. Rebecca T. (Eicholtz) Hubley, died November 7, 1888.
Howard L. Hubley received his education at the public schools of his
native city and attended Willard Institute for a time. He held numerous
clerical positions, covering a period of fifteen years, during which he resided in
the Twenty-first ward of the city. His business is now confined principally to
dealing in real estate. He was united in marriage to Emma, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. .\ugust Conmeyer, of Ohio. By this union the issue has been: i.
Rebecca T. E., born September 3, 1889. 2. Alice K. H., born July 27, 1891.
3. Virginia, born July 15, 1896.
PROFESSOR JOHN T. MORRIS, principal of the East Liberty ( Penn-
sylvania) Academy, was born in West Finley, W'ashington county, Pennsyl-
vania, April 16, 1878, son of James Reed and Martha A. (Means) Morris.
The father was born in Oliveburg. Pennsylvania, in 1846, and is a minister
of the Presbvterian church. He married Martha A. Means. The children
born to James Reed Morris and wife were: i. Alanson F. B., born 1868. 2.
Lucy A., born 1873, married Wallace. 3. Maude L.. born 1876, married
Register. 4. John T., born April 16, 1878. 5. W. Reed, born 1884.
Professor John T. Morris was educated at the public schools and Wash-
ington and Jefferson College. In 1900 he began teaching school at East Lib-
erty, in the department of mathematics, but is now the principal of the East
Liberty Academy, a position w^hich he is thoroughly competent to hold. He is
connected with the Masonic order, being a mentber of Homewood Lodge, No.
635, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Board of Trade
at Pittsburg. He married Lydia E., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Finley,
of Pittsburg. To Professor and Mrs. Morris was born a daughter, Lydia
Martha, born January 8, 1905.
MTLLICENT C. CABLE, who is the present foreman of the Union
Switch and Signal Company of Pittsburg, was bom in Ross township, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania. October 8, 1859, son of John and Mary (Powell)
Cable. The father, John Cable, was born in Ross township, Allegheny county,
and followed farming for his occupation. He married Mary Powell, by whom
was' born the following children: I. Millicent C, born C)ctober 8, 1859, of
whom later. 2. Daniel, born March 23, 1862, deceased. 3. Lizzie. 4. James.
Millicent C. Cable, after gaining a fair common school education, went to
work in the stove factory and later was employed by the Labelle Steel Com-
pany. But advancing in his work as an artisan in the various departments at
which he worked, he was finally given the foremanship of the LTnion Switch
and Signal Company, which place he now fills with both skill and faithfulness.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 459
]\Ir. Cable is a member of the Heptasophs. He married Elizabeth, daughter
of Ephraim Balliett, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Their children are: i. Me-
lissa, born June 9, died in 1896. 2. Laura, born April 27, 1893.
JAMES R. CONNOR, proprietor of the Hotel Connor, at Homewood,
within Greater Pittsburg, was born in Penn township, Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, C)ctober 27, 1869. He is the son of John G. and Margaret
(CriswcU) Connor. The father was born in Ireland and came to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. He followed contracting for a livelihood. He married Mar-
garet Criswell, by whom was born: Annie L., Alice G., Emma P., Maude,
John C, Edwin B. and James R.
After attending the public schools the usual number of terms, James R.
Connor became a salesman and for a number of years was in the employ of the
Pittsburgh Iron Mills. In 1900 he was elected alderman for a term of five
years; he resigned, however; in 1904, and removed to Homewood, where he
opened the Hotel Connor. He was united in marriage to Nellie G., daughter
of Mr. and Airs. Hartman. The issue by this marriage union is : James R.,
Jr., born 1900; Dorothy, born 1904.
JOHN S. MUSHRUSH, who is engaged in the plumbing business at
Homewood, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1874, son of Eli
L. and Mary E. (McFerrin) Mushrush. The father was born in Empire,
Ohio, and followed railroading for his livelihood. He is now a conductor.
He came to Pittsburg in 18 — . He married Mary E. McFerrin, by whom were
born the following children : John S., of whom later ; Jessie E., Harry E.,
Frederick H. and Eva M. The father died February 9, 1905.
John S. Mushrush was educated at the public schools of Allegheny and
Pittsburg, after which he worked at the plumbing trade for six years. In
1896 he came to Homewood, where he established his present plumbing busi-
ness. Mr. Alushrush is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and P. H. C. He married Minnie, daughter of Davis and Belle Bee.
PETER PRINTZ BEATTY, who is at present residing at Pittsburg, was
born June 17, 1864, at Lewistown, Pennsvlvania, son of William Lorenzo and
Mary (Printz) Beatty.
The first one of this family of whom the history is now known was John
Beatty, born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1787. He became one of the professors
in the college in the city of his birth. He was of the Presbvterian faith. He
married Mary Minnick.
William Lorenzo Beatty (father) was born at Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
July 6, 1819. He married Mary Printz, who was a descendant of John Printz,
the Swedish governor of New Jersey. On her mother's side she was a de-
scendant of Colonel Jacob Lutz, of the Continental army.
Peter P. Beatty was educated at the schools of his native county, and
later came to Pittsburg. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and a teacher in the Sunday-school. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity ;
belongs to Lodge No. 546, Free and Accepted Masons ; Royal Arch Chapter,
460
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
No. 268, and Commandery No. 72, Knights Templar, of Pennsylvania. Mr.
Beatty was united in marriage October 25, 1888, to Margaret Alexander, of
Pittsburg.
FREDERICK SHERMAN BECKETT, although still a young man, has
risen to a responsible and commanding position in the fire department of the
city of Pittsburg, PentHi'lvania, by reason of his bravery, resolution and devo-
tion to duty. He now holds the rank of captain in the service and it is to be
hoped that he may have many years of usefulness still before him. He is a
native of the United States, and traces his ancestry to an honored family of
England.
William Beckett, father of Frederick Sherman Beckett, was born in
England in 1835, came to the United States at an early age and located in the
city of Pittsburg. He- was an enterprising and progressive man of business,
shrewd and determined, and after a time engaged in the manufacture of brick,
with which he has been identified for a period of fifty years. He took a lively
interest in educational matters and was one of the first school directors of
Homewood. He married Mary Ann Wells, a native of England, who died in
1875, and had children : Frederick Sherman, of whom later ; William J., Mary
Ann, Matilda, Alfred W.. George F., Wilson, deceased: Sadie, deceased.
Frederick Sherman Beckett, son of William and Mary Ann (Wells)
Beckett, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1864. His education
was obtained in the public schools of his native city, and he then entered the
brick manufacturing business of his father, with whom he was associated for
some years. He accepted a position with the Homestead Steel Works in 1886,
which he retained for three years, and resigned upon his appointment, February
12, 1889, to a position in the fire department of the city of Pittsburg. Here
his courage and intelligent and masterly grasp of all points of difficulty pre-
sented to him earned for him special commendation, and three years after he
joined the department he was promoted to a lieutenancy, and on March 20,
1895, was advanced to the position of captain of Engine Company No. 16.
He married Clara Summerell, daughter of Thomas C. Summerell, of
Pittsburg, and they are the parents of: Campbell Wilson, born December 24,
1889; Mary Ann and John.
ALANSON F. B. MORRIS, M. D., one of the well-known physicians
and surgeons of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who resides at No. 6901 Hamilton
avenue, in that city, is a representative in the present generation of a family
which settled in the state of Pennsylvania many years ago.
Rev. James R. Morris, father of Dr. Alanson F. B. Morris, was born in
Jetferson county, Pennsylvania. He received an excellent education and was
a graduate of VVaynesburg- College. Later he pursued the study of theology
and was ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian church. His first pastorate
was at Cowansville. Pennsylvania, and in the course of a long life he made
many friends among the various congregations to whom he ministered. He
married Martha Means, of Whitesville, and they were the parents of children:
Alanson F. B., concerning whom see forward ; John T., Walter Reed. Lucy,
married Wallace, of California ; and Maud, married Regester. '
Alanson F. B. Morris, M. D., son of Rev. James R. and Martha (Means)
Morris, was born in Frostburg, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, November 23,
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 461
1868. His early education was acquired in the public schools and he then at-
tended W'aynesburs^ College, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor
of Arts. He subsequently entered the medical department of the Western
University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with honor.
Shortly after graduation he decided upon Homewood as his future place of
residence, and established himself there as a general '.medical practitioner in
1897. His ability, careful study and investigation, and earnest work in his
profession, have won for him a large and ever increasing circle of patients, the
admiration and esteem of his colleagues in the medical profession, and the
respect of the entire communitv.
He married, in 1896. Mary Carter, daughter of Henry Carter, of Pitts-
burg, and they have children: AIar\' R., born November 18, 1897; James R.,
born September 11, 1902.
PATRICK VINCENT' McPARLAND, one of the leading dentists of
Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, with elegant and commodious offices at No. 618
Homewood avenue, in that city, traces his descent to English and Irish an-
cestry.
Felix J. McParland, father of Patrick Vincent McParland, was born in
Ireland. February 7. 1852. He removed to England, lived there for some years
and then emigrated with his family to America in 1880. From his earliest
years he had been engaged in the mines, and there he met with his death,
August 30, 1893. He married, in England, Ann Brainbridge, a native of that
countr}-, who was born January 17, 1855, and they had children : John J.,
born October 12, 1873 ; Patrick \'incent, of whom see forward ; Jane A., born
February 10, 1882; Felix J., born April 5, 1885.
Patrick Mncent McParland, second son and child of Felix J. and Ann
(Brainbridge) ]\IcParland. was born in Northumberland, England, September
26, 1878. He was about two years of age when he came to the United States
with his parents, and his education was acquired in the public and high schools
of this country and the Madison Academy at Uniontown. Later he entered the
dental department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, from which he
was graduated with honor. He came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1904, and
immediately established himself in the practice of his profession. In this he has
been eminently successful and has gained a large and lucrative practice.
WILBUR MEAD HOLTZ. M. D.. one of the younger generation of med-
ical practitioners in the state of Pennsylvania, has decided upon Pittsburg, in
that state, as the seat of his future labors, and in the comparatively short time
he has been practicing has acquired the confidence of a considerable number of
patients, and has won the respect of his colleagues. As the name indicates, his
ancestors came from Germany many years ago and settled in the state of
Pennsylvania.
Rev. Earl Douglas Holtz was born in Guernsey county. Ohio, and was a
clergyman many years. He married Laura L. Mead, and had children : Wil-
bur M.. concerning whom see forward : Alma S.. Eleanor E. and Laura L.
Wilbur Alead Holtz. M. D.. eldest child and only son of Rev. Earl Douglas
and Laura L. (Mead) Holtz, was born in Apollo, Armstrong countv, Pennsyl-
vania, August 27. 1875. He was educated in the public schools and at Mount
462 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
Union College, in Alliance, Ohio, and was graduated from the latter institution
in 1897. At the time of the Spanish-American war he enlisted in the Tenth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was engaged in active service in the Philippines.
Upon his return to his native land he was engaged in newspaper work for
a number of years, and then decided to make the practice of the medical pro-
fession his life work. He matriculated in the medical department of the West-
ern University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated with honor in 1903. He
immediately established himself in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he has since
resided, and is gaining a lucrative and constantly increasing patronage. He
was the resident physician of the Marshalsea Pittsburgh Home and Insurance
Asylum. He married Fern Fogle, daughter of Garrett T. and Fanny M. Fogle.
JAMES ALONZO CYPHERS, whose present home is located at No.
545 Clawson street, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and who has been prominently
identified with the industrial and financial interests of that city for many years,
and has been an influential factor in many of the improvements which have
been made, is a representative of an old family of the state of Pennsylvania.
John Cyphers, father of James Alonzo Cyphers, was born in Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, in 1821. For a period of thirty-three years he was
the superintendent of the horse barns of the Pittsburg Central Stock Yards.
He married (first) Emily Tomer, who died in 1867, after bearing him children
as follows : James Alonzo, of whom see forward ; John T., Sarah, deceased ;
Nancy, married • — ■ Duholm ; Adam H.. Philip E., Maggie. He married
(second) Elizabeth Borland, who died in 1888, and their children w'ere : George
W., William B., Annie, deceased, and Charles.
James Alonzo Cyphers, son of John and Emily (Tomer) Cyphers, was
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1863. He obtained his educa-
tion in the public schools of Pittsburg, and then engaged in business. For
many years he was in charge of the horse barns of the Central Stock Yards
of Pittsburg, and is now (igo6) one of the firm of Faulkner & Cyphers, paint-
ers and contractors, who are one of the most important firms engaged in this
line of work in the city of Pittsburg. Aside from this he has many other busi-
ness interests. He was a director in the Homewood Building and Loan .Asso-
ciation and in the Homewood People's Bank, and is now a director of the
Park Bank of Pittsburg. He is an active worker in educational matters, and
has served as director on the school board of Homewood.
He married Ida May Faulkner, daughter of H. M. Faulkner, and they
have children: Pearl V., born October 31, 1887; Clifford E., born August 12,
1889: Edna May, born September 11, 1891.
HENRY H. WUNDERLICH, for many years a citizen of Pittsburg,
Penn.sylvania, residing at No. 7208 Monticello street, in that city, and closely
identified with many of the most important real estate transactions that have
taken place in recent years, is, as his name indicates, a descendant of German
ancestry.
John Wunderlich, father of Henry H. Wunderlich, was born in Germany,
in 1822, and died' in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1900. He emigrated to this
country in 1848 and located in Pittsburg, where he established himself in the
cooperage business, which he conducted very successfully for a number of
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 463
years. He married Christina Musselman, and had children: Henry H., of
whom see forward: Margaret, born in 1854; Christine, born in 1856. married
H. G. Otto; Jennie W., born in 1861 : Charles, born in 1863, a resident of
California. Mrs. Wunderlich died in 1894.
Henry H. Wunderlich, eldest son of John and Christina (Musselman)
Wunderlich, was born in the Second ward of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. His
education was acquired in the public schools of his native city, and in 1875
he entered the cooperage business of his father, with whom he continued for
ten years. During the following ten years he was engaged in the grocery
business, and then removed to Homewood in 1890 and established himself in
the real estate business, in which he has met with almost unvaried success. His
methods of business are enterprising and progressive, and those who have once
had business dealings with him invariably return to have the benefit of his serv-
ices. He is a member of the following organizations : Lodge No. 11, Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of. Elks; Junior Order of American Mechanics; the
Heptasophs ; National Union, and Knights of the Mystic Chain.
He married, in 1888, Mary Jane McCausland, daughter of Charles Mc-
Causland, and they have had children: F)essie, born 1889; John, born 1891,
died 1893 • Henry H., Jr.. born 1898.
FRANK J. HALFERTY, who has for a number of years been station
agent at the Homewood Station of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and who is actively interested in educational work, is a repre-
sentative of a family which has been well-known in the state of Pennsylvania
for a number of years.
Edward R. Halferty, father of Frank J. Halferty, was born in West
Fairfield, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. For many years he was cap-
tain of a steamboat that plied between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, later was
a commercial salesman for a period of twelve years, and finally was engaged in
agriculture and the lumber trade. He married Agnes Luttier, and had children ;
Frank J., Ella, married Trumbull ; Emma, married McBurney ;
Mary, James, Edward.
Frank J. Halferty, son of Edward R. and Agnes (Luttier) Halferty, was
born in West Fairfield, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1863.
He was educated in the public schools and the Iron City College, of Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and upon the completion of his education taught school for a
period of three years. He was then engaged in the grocery business for one
year at Irwin, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and in 1877 entered the
employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. He held the position of train-
man for five years, and his faithful and conscientious performance of the duties
allotted to him rapidly earned for him the advancement he merited. He was
raised to the position of conductor of a passenger train, was thus occupied for
seven years, and in 1900 came to Homewood as station agent for the railroad
for which he has worked for so many years. He takes an active and intelligent
interest in all matters of public moment, especially in those pertaining to educa-
tion, and has twice been a member of the school board.
He married Agnes Johnston, daughter of James and Rachel Johnston, of
West Fairfield, and they have had children: Guy, born July 14, 1876; Homer
E., born February 8, 1879: Frances, born January 12, 1882, died September
14. 1904-
464 A CEXTURY AXD A HALF OF "2^^
KUHN FAMILY. This family is of German origin, and its name ap-
pears in the form of Coon, as well as Kiihn. The branch of the family resi-
dent in and about Pittsburg is descended from one Kuhn, who with his wife
were among a party from Germany destined for New Amsterdam ( New
York) near the close of the sixteenth or early in the seventeenth century.
Their vessel was captured by a British privateer, and taken into the port of
Derrv, Ireland, being subsequently released and permitted to proceed upon its
voyage. It would appear that the Kuhns did not go with the ship, however,
as a son, Adam, was born to them in Ireland.
Adam Kuhn (I) dealt and traded in wines from his youth until he was
forty years of age. He then married a Low Dutch lady in Holland, whose
name was Eve, and emigrated to the English Colonies and settled in New
Jerse)' about the year 1740, where he resided until his three children were
grown up — and two of them married — then he moved to Juniata county,
Pennsylvania, with his youngest son, Michael. He spoke fluently the French,
Low Dutch and English languages as well as the German. He is said to have
traveled in and to have been acquainted with almost all parts of Europe, more
especially England and Ireland. His sons were all born in New Jersey ; they
were three in number, whose names were Nicholas, Michael and Mansfield.
Mansfield served in the Revolutionary army under Washington, and died in
the army, leaving no family. Nicholas, after residing for a time in the
Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, removed to what is now West Virginia, be-
low Wheeling, and afterwards to Kentucky, where his descendants still reside.
After living in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, for some time the Kuhns went
to Wyoming Valley settlement (now Luzerne county), and Adam Kuhn here
suffered serious misfortune in the burning of his house with nearly all its
contents. After his escape with his family from the terrible massacre he
settled near Harrisburg. at Middletown. Pennsylvania, till the close of the
Revolutionary war. Then Adam Kuhn and his son Michael settled in what is
now known as Patton township, Allegheny county, where they made improve-
ments on a tract of land supposed to be vacant, building a house and planting
an orchard. A claimant to the land appeared, however, who was given pos-
session, agreeing to make payment for the improvements. Adam Kuhn
then went down the Ohio river into West Virginia, near Fishing Creek, some
distance below Wheeling, and not far from Mound City, where his son
Nicholas then lived. Here he established a new home, and here came to him the
great sorrow of his life in the cruel death of his wife, who was killed by In-
dians as she was driving the cows homeward. Adam Kuhn married a second
time, and of this union a daughter, Mary, was born. It is not known when
he died, but he must have been quite aged, for he was seventy years old
when he left western Pennsylvania. Just before his death he was visited bv
his son Michael, to whom he gave the title papers to the tract of land upon
which Michael was living, saying that that would be his share of the estate
after his (the father's) death. Michael, in turn, gave these papers, for a like
purpose, to his son John, who was so unfortunate as to lose them, this mis-
fortune entailing the loss of the property. Adam Kuhn was a man of integrity
and great firmness of purpose. In religious faith he was a Baptist. Driven
from Germany by persecution of the Baptists he took refuge in Plolland and
there wooed and won his first wife. Eve.
I
PITTSBURG AXD HER PEOPLE 465
(II) Michael Kuhn, son of Adam and Eve Kuhn, was born April 5,
1747, and died January 30, 1820. He married, in New Jersey, Catherine
(McClarty), who was born March 5, 1743, and died July 12, 1823. She was
a daughter of Archibald McClarty and wife (name not mentioned), who were
both born in Scotland, and a short time after their marriage emigrated to
South Carolina in the British Colonies. All their children were born in this
country. They were : Samuel : John, who served in the Revolutionary war ;
Catharine, who married Michael Kuhn, son of Adam Kuhn (I) ; Nancy, who
married Colonel William Houston.
Colonel William Houston served all through the Revolutionary war and
remained in the army as an officer till his death in 1807. He and his wife
moved to Virginia with the Kuhn family, but after his death in 1807 his
widow went to East Tennessee with her six sons and three daughters and
settled there. Nothing more is recorded of the Houston family, except that
the youngest of their six sons, Samuel (General Sam Houston) became
prominent in the war between Texas and Mexico, which resulted in Texas
becoming a republic and the election of Gen. Sam Houston as president. After
the union of Texas with the United States he became United States Senator.
He was born near Lexington, Virginia, in 1793, and died at Huntersville,
Texas, in 1863.
Soon after his marriage, Michael Kuhn settled first in Juniata county
and afterwards on the Susquehanna river, in the Wyoming settlement, and
there several of his children were born. The family was kept constantly in
terror by the Indians. On one occasion two of the children went to the spring
for water, through a pathway in the woods, in which were concealed a num-
ber of the dusky foe, who permitted them to pass unharmed, as was after-
wards learned. At the time of the awful Wyoming massacre the Indians
burned the cabins of the Kuhn and McClarty families, and they concluded to
leave that part of the state. With their families, and such of their effects as
could be transported on horseback, they traversed the Susquehanna river to
Harris' Ferry (the present site of Harrisburg), there crossed the stream, and
traveled eastward about twenty miles, and settled on Swatara Creek at Middle-
town, where they remained until the close of the Revolutionary war. They
then removed in 1783 to what is now Allegheny county, near the Youghio-
gheny river, at Elrode's Ferry, and a few years later to what is now Pluin
township, the same county, where they lived a few years upon a rented farm.
Before he had brought his wife and small children to this place it was the
habit of Mr. Kuhn and his two sons, Archibald and Adam, nearly grown, to
come to the new farm to put in the spring crop. On one such occasion the
father and sons lay down at night on the cabin floor, and at a late hour heard
someone prowling about ; knowing that Indians might be expected, Mr. Kuhn
spoke in a loud voice, "Boys, are the guns loaded?" The footsteps were not
heard again. Fearing that the Indians might return they got up and con-
cealed themselves in a large clunip of trees some distance awav, and kept
watch till morning, and heard the Indians disappearing. It was believed that
the Indians supposed themselves to be pursued. In one of their migrations it
is related that the Kuhn and McClarty families came to a point where the
road divided, and a discussion arose as to which branch they should take.
All were agreed but a deaf and dumb man. who positively refused to go that
iii — 30
466 A CEXTURY AND A HALF OF
way. At last they agreed to take the course he was so decided upon, and it
was afterwards learned that if they had done otherwise, as they tirst inclined,
that they would have fallen into an Indian ambush and perished. Mr. Kuhn
remained on the rented farm until he bought property of his own from Colonel
Hugh Davidson in the same neighborhood, and upon which he lived the re-
mainder of his life, and there some of his children were born and married.
He died in 1820, aged seventy-five years. From early youth he was a pro-
nounced Presbyterian, and a man of strong traits of character. His wife,
who died in 1823, was a woman of the best type of Pennsylvania pioneers,
possessing wonderful courage and determination. Born and reared in this
country she had been trained to the strictest Presbyterian rule ; she had a
thorough knowledge of the Bible, taking great delight in reading it over and
over, and making constant study of the Confession of Faith and the Catechism.
Both she and her husband were ever faithful in training their children in the
love and fear of God. As a result of this excellent training four of their sons
became elders in their respective churches. Their children were : Eve, Arch-
ibald, Adam, Samuel, John, Mary, David and Nancy, accounts of whom follow :
( in I Eve Kuhn, eldest child of Michael and Catherine (McClarty) Kuhn,
born June 26, 1769, married Thomas Elrod, a Baptist minister, and removed to
Hamilton, Ohio, now Cincinnati.
(III) Archibald Kuhn, second child of Michael Kuhn and wife, born
August 28, 1771,'died December 13, 1831 ; married first, May 16, 1799, Martha
Stottler, born February 7, 1781, died June 17, 1818. By this union were born
the following children: i. Michael, born March 30, 1800, died April 14, 1851.
2. Jacob, born October 17, 1801, died September 17, 1878. 3. Nancy, born
August 31, 1803, died November 2, 1881. 4. Archey, born September 2, 1805,
died December 11, 1889. 5. David, born August 10, 1807, died February 2,
1899. 6. Catherine, born August 29, 1809, died November 26, 1889. 7. John,
born October 27, 181 1. 8. William H. H., born March 22, 1813. died Febru-
ary 25, 1894. For his second wife the father of this family, Archibald Kuhn,
married Margaret Rea, September 20, 1825; she died November i, 1863, aged
seventy-eight years.
(iV) Michael, born March 30, 1800, died April 14, 1851: married
Catherine Ludwic February 24, 1825, and their issue was: Washington Alex-
ander, born March 20, 1826; Mary Jane, born April 29, 1829; James Michael,
born April 8, 1833; Cordelia Catherine, born December 8, 1838; Alvira Eliza-
beth, born April 28, 1841 ; Francis Archibald, born August 10, 1843; William
Jasper, born May 14, 1847.
(IV) Jacob, born October 17, 1801, died September 17, 1878; married
Mary Monroe October 4, 1827; she died July 15, 1854. The date of her birth
was June 16, 1798. The children of this union were: Mattie, born July 25,
1828, died August 4, 1837; Mary, born May 15, 1830, died January 4, 1831 ;
Nancy C, born March 30, 1832; Margaret, born May 2, 1834, died September
29, 1834; Catherine, torn March 3, 1836, died April 13, 1836; Susan, born
February 26, 1837, died August i, 1837: Andrew Monroe, born January 30,
1838, died March 26, 1841. For his second wife the father of this family,
Jacob Kuhn, married Mrs. Harriet M. Goodrich, nee Harriet Matilda Burton,
March 12, 1856. She was born March 18, 1820, and died October 17, 1898.
The issue by this union was: Lewis Benton, born January 10, 1857, and
Anna Harriet, born May 15, 1864.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 467
(IVj Nancy, born August 31, 1803, died November 2, 1881 ; mar-
ried John Armstrong November 17, 1826. He was born May i, 1794. Their
issue was: Martha Simonds, born September 3, 1827; EHzabeth, born August
30. 1830; Archibald K., born October 8, 1831 ; Rebecca Catherine, born De-
cember 27, 1833; Jacob K., born April 16, 1835; Margaret, born October 12,
1838; Nancy M., born May 25, 1840; Mary Jane, born November 2, 1842;
James Michael, born March 2;^. 1845.
(IV') Archy, born September 2. 1805, died December 11. 1889: married
Mary C. King November 17, 1836, by which union were born: Nancy D.. born
October 25, 1837; William W., born May 26. 1839, died January 15, 1863;
Martha Stotler, born March 6, 1841, died March 28, 1897; Robert, born De-
cember 13, 1842, died September 28, 1843; Jacob, born August 31, 1844; James
King, born February 18, 1846, died November 17, 1879; Eliza Ann, born
March 5, 1848: Susan, born June 24, 1850: Mary Louisa, born June 2. 1853;
David Brainard, born June 20, 1855.
(IV') David, fifth child, born August 10, 1807, died February 2, 1899;
married Sarah Mcjunkin July 5, 1836, and their children were : Archibald
Alexander, born January 11, 1838, died May 10, 1866; William H., born Feb-
ruary 6. 1840, died January 10, 1847; Mary, born April 5, 1842, married Jo-
seph Hughey Gray (see Gray family sketch connected with this) ; John Melanc-
thon, born December 2, 1844, died January 13. 1894; Martha Catherine, born
April 9, 1847, died December 19, 1869; Sarah Hamilton, born March 2, 1850,
died November 18, 1887. The mother, Sarah (Mcjunkin) Kuhn, was born
July 6, 1814, and died June 23. 1850.
(IV) Catherine, born August 29. 1809, died November 26. 1889; mar-
ried Robert \^anhorn, December 26, 1833.
(IV) John M., son of Archibald Kuhn, born August 27, 181 1, married
Catherine Robertson December 13, 1845, and their issue was: Ann Robertson,
born October 11, 1846; Margaretta Rhea, born June 3, 1848; James Robert-
son, born February 4. 1852; Norman Archibald, born March 15. 1854; Alice
Seymour, born December 24. 1856; Catherine Morgan, born July 6, 1859.
(IV) William H. H., son of Archibald Kuhn, born March 22, 1813, died
February 25, 1894 : married Mary C. Elder, March, 1843.
(III) Adam Kuhn (2), third child of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born
June 13, 1774; married Mary Deborah Mcjunkin. Children:
(I\:') Anne, born 1798, married to William .Sampson, farmer; she died
November 5, 1881 or 1882. Her children were: Adam Kuhn Sampson, Mary
Ann S. Evans, Letitia S. Foster, Harvey S., .Susannah Neel, John, William and
Margaret.
(IV) Adam (3). second child of Adam and Mary Deborah (Mcjunkin)
Kuhn, born March 8, 1801. was married twice, first to Priscilla Wheeler and
secondly to Juliana Gant. The date of his death was December 21, 1872. His
first wife died December 28. 1850. By the first marriage there were born the
following children: i. Mary D.. who married General Isaac H. Duval, now
deceased, and they were the parents of ten children — Anna Priscilla, married
James Dazzell, now deceased, and whose children were Anna and Cloyd ; Sarah,
unmarried ; Cloyd M., who married George L. Caldwell, and has a son, George ;
Walter Kuhn, married first Mary Hammond, whose two children are Nelson
and Mary, secondly he married Maud Clark, of Omaha, Nebraska, by which
468 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
union three children were born — Helen, Cloyd M. and Philip ; William H., un-
married ; Adam I., who married Florence Cobb, of Findley, Ohio, and they
have a son, William; Frank B., married Irene Jones, of Wellsburg, West Vir-
ginia, and their two children are Adam, and Harry, now deceased; Hardin H.,
who married Edna Meeks, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, and has one son,
Thomas; Alary B. and Sue P., both of the last-named dying young. 2. Annie
H., married Julius Le Moyne, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and their children
are Rose M., who married Dr. George M. Kelly, of Washington, Pennsylvania;
Francis J., married Catherine Guthrie (niece of the present mayor of Pitts-
burg), and they have one child, Marcia; Annie K., married Joseph C. Baird,
of Washington, Pennsylvania, and they have one son, John Julius Baird ; Mad-
eline Romaine, unmarried. 3. Wheeler, married Mantie Hooker, and they have
three children — Mary, Elizabeth and Adda. 4. Emily Wilson, born February
28, 1833, deceased ; married W. C. Barclay. 5. James I., married Maria Tier-
nan, of Kentucky. 6. Harding Wheeler, married Jeannette Ryan, of Charleston,
West Virginia, and they have one child, Annabelle. 7. Elizabeth P., unmarried,
and resides in Philadelphia. 8. Mahala R., immarried, lives in Washington,
Pennsylvania. The father of this family, Adam Kuhn (IV), was born in West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania, and later settled in Wellsburg, West Virginia,
where he became a prominent banker ; also interested in civic matters.
Julius Le Moyne, heretofore named as the husband of Anna H. Kuhn, was
a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he still resides. He was
the fourth of a family of eight children born to Dr. Francis J. and ]\Iadeline
(Bureau) Le Moyne. He (Francis J.) was a physician in Washington, Penn-
sylvania, for many years, and was the first to build a crematory in this county,
the same being located at Washington, Pennsylvania. He was the only son of
Dr. John Julius and Nancy ( McCullough) Le Moyne. He was a native of Paris,
France, and came to America at the age of twenty-one years, first settling in
Gallipolis, Clhio, and later moved to Pennsylvania. He was a very successful
practitioner.
(IV) David, born November 19, 1802, died August, 1895. He married
Jane Caven, daughter of William Caven and wife, who was the daughter of
Robert Stewart, of Stewartsville, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
William Caven was a major in the war of 1812. W'as extensively engaged in
business for the times, built part of the National Pike and operated the salt
works on the Youghioghcny river, and was at one time sheriff of Allegheny
county. David Kuhn owned a grist mill on the Youghiogheny river at Kuhii's
Landing, which was started by his father, Adam Kuhn, and which obtained
large business throughout that section of country, and the phrase developted,
"As good as wheat in Kuhn's mill." He was a man of great strength and
force of character, and was much respected throughout the community. Later
on he purchased a farm in North Huntington township, Westmoreland county,
and later removed to Ligonier, Westmoreland county, where he died in 1895.
(V) Adam Kuhn (4), eldest child of David and Jane (Caven) Kuhn,
was born in 1833 at what was known as Kuhn's Landing, on the Youghiogheny
river, above McKeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was one of the
oil operators on the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania, and was a merchant in
Parker, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and Altoona, Blair county. At the
present time is living on a farm in Westmoreland county. He married Emily
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 469
Wilson, born at Clarion, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Ruth (Goheen)
Wilson. They had four children :
I. David Wilson Kuhn, born at Six-Mile Ferry, Allegheny county, Penn-
sylvania. He married Antoinette Golay, born in Washington, D. C. Two
children, Katharine Golay and Ruth Wilson, were born at Knoxville, Tennes-
see, and James Anthony, born in Pittsburg. He received an university educa-
tion, studied law and was admitted to Blair county bar in 1891, when he re-
moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. He practiced law in Knoxville, Tennessee,
until 1900, when he came to Pittsburg and became counsel and chairman of the
board of directors of the Pittsburgh-Westmoreland Coal Company. 2. Helen,
unmarried, was educated at Hollidaysburg Seminary. 3. Harry Addison Kuhn,
born at Parker's Landing, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, in 1871. Received
his education at the schools of Altoona and graduated from Pennsylvania State
College in 1896 as a civil and mining engineer, which profession he still fol-
lows. He is also president of the Pittsburgh-Westmofeland Coal Company.
He married Agnes Sweeney, of Philadelphia, and they have two children, Con-
stance and iMary Wilson. 4. Emily, born at Parker's Landing, Armstrong
county, was educated in the schools of Altoona, and graduated from the
Library School of the Dre.xel Listitute, Philadelphia. She organized the Car-
negie libraries at Oakmont and McKeesport.
(V) Sallie Kuhn, daughter of David and Jane (Caven) Kuhn, died in
August, 1864.
{\) Rev. William Caven Kuhn, son of David and Jane (Caven) Kuhn,
a veteran of the Civil war, graduated from Washington and Jefferson College
and was educated for the ministry and has preached the Presbyterian faith for
many years. He is now retired and resides at Bellwood, Blair county, Penn-
sylvania.
(V) James L Kuhn, son of David and Jane (Caven) Kuhn, died un-
married.
(\') John Edwin Kuhn, son of David and Jane (Caven) Kuhn, born in
Allegheny county, and graduated from \\'ooster L'niversity, Wooster, Ohio, in
the class of "75. He studied law with his vmcle, James L Kuhn, one of the
leaders of the Pittsburg bar and was admitted to the bar in 1874, since whidi
time he has practiced in Pittsburg. He married Miss Belle Arthur.?, daughter
of Robert Arthurs; she died September 11, 1906, leaving one son, James L
Kuhn.
(V) Robert Stewart Kuhn, youngest son of David and Jane (Caven)
Kuhn, was a prominent member of the Allegheny county bar ; was not mar-
ried and died in 1896.
(IV) Catharine, born 1804; died February, 1808.
(IV) Susan, born November 19, 1806: died unmarried in 1823.
(IV) James I., born in 1810 and died in 1885, unmarried. James I.
Kuhn, graduating from Jefferson College with the honors of his class, was
a brilliant scholar as a young man, and was professor of Latin and Greek
in Lafayette College and tlie University of Georgia, at Athens, where he
became a fast friend of Senator King, one of Georgia's greatest ante-bellum
Statesmen ; he was also professor in the college at Athens, Ohio. He was
afterwards admitted to the bar of Pittsburg where he practiced his profession,
and was head of the Pittsburg bar for a number of years. He received the
honorary degree of LL. D. from the Western University of Pennsylvania.
470
A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(IV) John S., born 1813, died 1883. He graduated at Jefferson Medi-
cal College, Philadelphia, and became a physician, and was for a time attend-
ant physician at the hospital of Jefferson College. He married a daughter of
Dr. James R. Speer. At the time of the Civil war he was practicing his pro-
fession with Dr. Speer, when he became examining physician and surgeon of
the recruits. Subsequently he was an army surgeon at Gettysburg. At the
close of the war he retired from the practice of medicine and engaged in the
iron business with Dr. Speer, but after three years returned to his profession,
and was in Pittsburg for some years, after which he moved to McKeesport,
where he successfully practiced medicine for a number of years before his
death. He married Mary, daughter of James R. and Hetty (Morrow) Speer.
Mrs. Kuhn died in 1900 at the age of seventy-six years, and was the mother of
eight children. Hetty (Morrow) Speer was the daughter of Paul Morrow.
Dr. James R. Speer was born in Chambersburg, Pa., November 17, 1796,
and died in Pittsburg in 1891. He was the son of Rev. William Speer, who
was born near Gettysburg in 1764, and died in April, 1829. He was for
twenty-nine years connected as pastor of the Greensburg and Unity charges
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married Sarah Ramsey, daugh-
ter of James Ramsey, son of James and Mary (Patterson) Ramsey. Rev.
William Speer's sister, Elizabeth, married Mr. Buchanan, and President James
Buchanan was her son. One of Mr. Ramsey's granddaughters was the mother
of President Benjamin Harrison.
(V) Mary Alice, eldest child of Dr. John S. Kuhn (IV), married John F.
Mclntyre, who died in 1903. For many years he was engaged in the hardware
business in Kansas City, Missouri, and later at McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
where he had other business interests. They had four children — the two living
are John P., unmarried, engaged in the brick manufacturing business at Mc-
Keesport, and is largely interested in real estate, and Katherine Frances, who
married Henry P. .Snyder, and they have two children — Henry P. Snyder, Jr.,
and an infant daughter.
(V) Hattie Morrow, second child of Dr. Kuhn and wife, is now deceased ;
she married E. L. Dunbar. Children: (i) Fannie, (2) William K., married
to Elizabeth Biggs, has one son, William K. Dunbar, Jr., (3) Sarah Speer,
married A. M. Speer, Jr., son of Dr. Speer, and they have Donald and Marion.
(V) Cornelia Breckenridge, third child of Dr. Kuhn and wife, married
John Ewing Speer, and they have one child — Elizabeth B.
(V) Fannie Ramsey, deceased, fourth child of Dr. Kuhn and wife, mar-
ried James H. Scott (see .Scott family sketch), of Pittsburg, and they have
three children — John Kuhn, Mary Ella (married Rev. Burr Mcintosh), and
Gertrude (married Dr. H. S. Midgley, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; they have
one child, Harry).
(V) James Speer, fifth child of Dr. Kuhn and wife, married Ella O'Neil,
of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
(V) John, the sixth child, died in infancy.
iV) William Speer, the seventh child, married Katherine Hill, of St.
Louis, and they have six children — Wendall, James S., Jerome, Katherine,
Mary and William S., Jr.
(V) Lydia Speer, youngest child of Dr. Kuhn and wife, died young.
(Ill) Samuel, fourth son of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born March
DAVID R. KUHN.
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 471
20 1777. married Jane Drenner about 1804, and Ihev were the parents of these
ch.ldren: Catherine B.. born July 21 1805 ; WiUiam Drenner'born Februa^
15, 180, Ehzabeth, born July 22. 1809, died October 16. i8v • Harrv H
born February 3. 1812. died June 24. i860; Samuel M., born January 5. 1816-
Mary J born October 15. 1818: Xancy. born October i. 1821 ; Adam O born
JNovember 9, 1825. ~"
(III) John fifth son of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born December 26
1779. married Margaret Brandon in 1799; she was born 1782 and died .Mav 20'
8ot'- F^tZ H K " T''\ K^7'' ^"""l September 3, 1801 ; Catherine, born
«?^' U -11 i. T '^""V J""''."' '?°™ '^°7; Nancy, born 1809; Michael, born
1811 \\ ilham R., born 1814; Archibald F., born January 9, 1817; James E
born June 5, 1822; Violate Jane, born April 7 1825 ^ '
(III) Mary sixth child of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born August
25, i/8omarned Stephen Hall, and to them were born these children: Rob-
ert; Michael; John, born 1806; Alexander L., born 1809; and Catherine
Stephen Hall, the tather, died, and his widow married a Mr^^Barber, and their
children were Archev and Samuel.
(III) David seventh child of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born Decem-
An7' '^P'^'"\f ^'""o^"'^ ^°^^'"" ^^^y ^- '80s. Their children werS:^.
ber . Tsf;' '^/"n -'ili-'^'",- '''"^ 1""""''^ '^' '843- 2. Mary C, born Octo-
ber 5, 1812. 3. David Rittenhouse. born April 2, 1815, died 1898. 4. Robert
£• 1820 ^'rJf'-' \'^'^T^.^''u ^'':'^ '^' '839. 5. Samuel, born November
tL ?^ tsI mother^El.zabeth Cowan) Kuhn, was born 1778 and died
July 16 1862. David Kuhn and his family resided in Plum tow-nship manv
fn T.'n f .T' ^ surveyor, following that profession all his life, taking par"t
m many of the early surveys of the state. h i -^ <■
(IV) David Rittenhouse Kuhn, second son and third child of David Kuhn
and wife was bom in 1S15, and married in 1847 Catherine Stotler, born 182s
in Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. She still ( 1907) survives
She IS the daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth ( Baughman ) Stotler • her father
was among the wealthy farmers of Penn township. ^ David R. Kuhn remained
in Plum township, where he received his education and later owned a orist
mill there ; also was a justice of the peace for several vears. After his marrmcrV
he came to Pittsburg and in 1849 built a grist millon Collins avenurin the
East End. which he conducted twenty-five years or more, after which he sold
out and engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of D. R Kuhn
& Son, which continued until the present firm of Kuhn Brothers & Company
was tormed. He w^s the father of six children, five sons and one daughter
VIZ.: I. James Calvin, born in Plum township ; married, first, Minnie Hut'chin-
son. by whom was born Minnie Gertrude, and she married Phillip S Pvle of
Pittsburg, and they have one child, James Raymond. For his second wife
James C. Kuhn married Clara Weaver, whose only child is Laona. 2 Henry
I born in Pittsburg, married Minnie Blake, and thev have two children
U Ilham and Harry. 3. William Rittenhouse, born in Pittsburg, where he re-
ceived his education, and in 1882. with his brother, Henry P., '"engaired in the
catering business in the East End: subsequently he purchased his 'brother's in-
terest and has operated alone until the present time. He has been very suc-
cesstul and through his untiring energy and good business ability has built up
a large trade which is constantly increasing. In the year of 1907 he erected a
472 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
building on Highland avenue, near Penn avenue, a large block, to which he
will move, to meet the demands of his growing business. This is to be a thor-
oughly modern building with all the up-to-date improvements. In Masonic
circles Mr. Kuhn is very prominent, being a thirty-second degree Alason. He
is the vice-president of the East End Savings and Trust Company, treasurer
of the Pittsburgh Ice Company, and identified with other Pittsburg enterprises
and institutions. He is a member of Christ's church and one of the board of
trustees. He married Annye J^incaide, and to them have been born three chil-
dren— Orlin, Raymond and Elizabeth. 4. Emanuel Stotler, born in Pittsburg,
married Alice Craighead, and they are the parents of seven children — William
S.. Lewis A., Eleanor, James, Russell, Mildred and Richard. 5. David Chal-
mers, born in Pittsburg, married Emma Haynes, and they have three children
— Sarah, Norman and Edward. 6. Margarette (now deceased), who married
William Van Buren, and they had one child, Margarette, who married O. E.
Nixon, and they have one child, William Nixon.
(Ill) Nancy, the eighth child of Michael and Catherine Kuhn, born Octo-
ber 16, 1788, married Thomas Black; he died September 23, 1819, aged thirty-
two years. She died November 2, 1881 ; their children were John, Catherine
and Margaret.
THE GRAY FAMILY. About the time of the Revolutionary war three
brothers came from England, but who were of Scotch-Irish descent. They
were named William Gray, David Gray and another whose name is not known.
They settled in western Pennsylvania, in what is now Westmoreland county.
The tradition is that David Gray, while clearing a farm from out the dense
forests in Westmoreland county, was captured by the Indians and tied to a
tree while they deliberated what should be done with him. They finally de-
cided to carry him into their camp, which they did, and the story ^oes that he
married a squaw, and further than that nothing is related of him.
(I) William Gray, one of the three brothers, and progenitor of the family
of which this memoir relates, also settled in Westmoreland county territory
and there reared a family. His wife was Mary Borland. He died in Brush
Creek, near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1794. He cleared a farm in that lo-
cality and was one of the pioneers in western Pennsylvania. He left three sons
and his widow, who married Hugh Torrence, and she lived in that section sev-
eral years. The children born to William Gray and wife were : James, born
1788; George, born 1790; and John, born 1792.
(II) George Gray, second son of the progenitor, William Gray, was still
quite young at the death of his father. Upon coming to manhood he learned
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for many years on the old Greensburg
turnpike, between East McKeesport and Turtle Creek. The shop still stands
(1907), though in a dilapidated condition. He married Jennie Hope, and their
children were: I. James, born in 1815 in Westmoreland county, and died in
1 89 1. 2. William, who lived on the old home place and carried on blacksmith-
ing all his life. 3. John, who removed to Iowa. 4. George, deceased. 5. Rich-
ard. 6. Robert, who lives in Michigan. 7. Mrs. Margaret Boyd, who lives in
Fayette county, Pennsylvania. 8. Mrs. Mary Drennan, now deceased.
(III) James Gray, son of George and Jennie (Hope) Gray, born in 1815
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 473
in Westmoreland county, married Racliel Hughey, who died aged seventy-five
years. Their children were six in number and included: i. Joseph Hughey
Gray, deceased; married Mary Kuhn (V), daughter of David and Sarah
(Mcjunkin) Kuhn. (See Kuhn family sketch.) 2. Jennie Hope, deceased;
married Joel Monroe, and they had five children — Ella, who married Harry
Stotler ; Clyde ; Margaret, married Francis Miller ; James G. ; and Frank. 3.
George, who died in infancy. 4. James F., who died unmarried. 5. Cyrus S.,
born in 1854; was clerk of the orphans' court for seventeen years in Allegheny
county. In 1894 he became trust officer for the Fidelity Trust and Title Com-
pany and is now also vice-president of the same. He married Margaret J.
Wilson, of Pittsburg, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Hyndman) Wilson.
Thev are the parents of three children — Sarah, Joseph W. and Margaret.
Joseph W. married Olive McFeely, daughter of Charles McFeely, and they
have one son, named Charles iMcFeely Gray.
(H) John Gray, son. of William and Mary (Borland) Gray, born 1792,
was reared on the old homestead in Westmoreland county, and upon reaching
manhood settled on a farm of his own in the same neighborhood, where he
also had a saw mill. He lived and labored there all of his life. He was a
soldier in the war of 1812-14. He married Hannah Ward, of his native county.
The children of this union were: i. Mary, who married Stewart Whigham.
2. Julia, died yoving and unmarried. 3. Rachel, born 1820, died 1874; married,
first, William Whigham (a brother to her sister's husband) ; he died three
months after their marriage without issue. Secondly she married John Pat-
terson, son of Alexander Patterson, a native of Scotland, and who was one of
the pioneers of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. By her second marriage
she was the mother of four children — Sara M., who first married Israel Blose,
and he died in 1880, leaving four children, as follows: Joseph Clifford, who is
engaged in the drug business at McKeesport, and unmarried ; Rachel, who mar-
ried George Stone, of McKeesport, and whose two children are Louise and
Rachel ; Helen, who married Walter Albert, of New York, and their issue is
William Henrv ; Daniel Patterson, a physician, unmarried. He is a graduate
of the Universitv of Pennsylvania, also of a medical school of Vienna and one
at Dublin, Ireland. He practices his profession at ^McKeesport. For her sec-
ond husband Sara M. Patterson married Samuel Elliott Carothers, by whom
one child was born — Joe, who died in infancy. 4. Darkus. 5. Martha, who
married Professor Henry Newcomb ; they reside in Omaha. 6. Margaret,
married Joseph Svp, and they reside in Afton, Kansas. 7. Catherine, who mar-
ried Daniel Hoover, and they now reside in California. 8. Nancy. 9. Etta.
10. James, who married ■Miss Lordy; both are deceased; they had one child,
Edward Grav, now of ^IcKeesport. 11. William, who married and lives in
Afton. Kansas. This family were all born on the old homestead of John Gray,
near McKeesport and in what is now called Christus Park.
(IV) Hannah E. Gray, daughter of John and Rachel (Whigham) Patter-
son, deceased, married William H. IMoore, and had children as follows. Harry
G., Edwin R., Ellen L., James, John — the last two being twins.
(IV) James Findlay, son of John and Rachel (Whigham) Patterson, died
unmarried.
(I\'J Harry G.. son of John and Rachel (^\'higham) Patterson, un-
married.
474 A CENTURY AND A HALF OF
(II) James Gray, son of William and Mary (Borland) Gray, born in
1788, died January i, 1861, aged seventy-three years. He followed black-
smithing until 1841, then farmed near Stewartsville. He married, first, Ann
Hope (sister to the wife of his brother George), and to them were born the
following children: William, James, Margaret and Rachel, all deceased. For
his second wife he married Rebecca Crosby, who died aged eighty-eight years.
They had one child, Crosby Gray, born in 1843 i" Westmoreland county, and
married Hattie M, Henry, of Pittsburg, daughter of George W. Henry. They
have three children, all born in Pittsburg, and are as follows: i. Charles C.
Gray, who married Mary Morris, and has one child, Robert Leslie. 2. Carrie
M., married William S. Boyd, and they are the parents of William Gray Boyd.
3. Crosby Gray, Jr., unmarried.
(III) Crosby Gray received his education in Stewartsville, Westmoreland
county, and at the age of eighteen years enlisted as a member of Company H,
One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for nine months'
service in the Union cause at the time of the Civil war. At the battle of Fred-
ericksburg he was wounded, December, 1862, and by reason of such wounds
was discharged. Later he became a clerk for the Morehead Company, manu-
facturers of iron, and still later with the Pittsburgh Novelty Works. Soon
after leaving this position he was elected superintendent of the board of health
for the city of Pittsburg and continued in that position for thirty-three years —
from 1869 to 1902. In 1906 he became connected with the office of deeds and
registers for Allegheny county, which he still holds. In politics he is a Repub-
lican. He is an active member in the Grand Army Post No. 3.
(IV) Joseph Hughey Gray, son of James and Rachel (Hughey) Gray,
was born in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, August i, 1837, and died April 26,
1897. He was educated at the common schools of his native place and followed
farming pursuits with his father until the breaking out of the Civil war. In
1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania regiment, being
a member of Company E. He was severely wounded at the battle of Fair
Oaks and taken to the hospital, where he remained one year, after which he
returned home and was shortly afterwards married and then went to Wash-
ington, District of Columbia, to accept a position in the war department, and
there remained until 1866, then returned to Pittsburg and held the office of
register of wills for three terms. At the same time he was preparing himself
for the practice of law, and was later admitted to the bar and practiced until
he was elected sherifl: of Allegheny county, and served three years. After his
term of office expired he resumed the practice of law, which he followed until
his death. Politically he was a staunch Republican. He married Mary Kuhn,
daughter of David and Sarah (Mcjunkin) Kuhn (see Kuhn family sketch),
the ceremony being performed April 2, 1864. By this union were born the
following children: i. Rachel, born December 15, 1865; married September
2$. 1890, Dr. W. R. Foster. Their issue is Mary Elizabeth and David Gray.
2. Florence Kuhn, born June 13, 1868; married October 15, 1892, Margaret
Stewart, and to them were born John Stewart and James Miller Gray. 3. Kate,
born April 17, 1870; married April, 1903, FrancisB. Barr. 4. James H., born
August 20, 1872; married Anna Dunlap June 15, 1899; issue, James Dunlap
Gray. 5. Alary, born December 14, 1874, unmarried. 6. Clara, born June 26,
1877; died February 19, 1903. 7. Nellie, bom July 22, 1880; married October
PITTSBURG AND HER PEOPLE 475
i6, 1901, Ira Merrill Clarke, and they have one child, Mary. 8. Susanna, bom
January 8, 1883, unmarried. 9. Joseph Rex, born June 8, 1885, unmarried.
(V) James H. Gray, son of Joseph H. and Alary (Kuhn) Gray, was born
in Pittsburg and educated in the public schools, including the high schools, and
then turned his attention to the study of law. He was admitted to the Alle-
gheny county bar in 1895. On account of ill health he went to Colorado, where
he spent three years, and while there was admitted to practice in the Colorado
courts. He subsequently returned to Pittsburg, in 1898, since which date he
has been engaged in the practice of his profession, mostly civil cases. Politi-
cally he is a Republican.
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